# A student uses a door handle to open a heavy door. The door handle is positioned far from the hinge. Explain why positioning the handle far from the hinge makes it easier to open the door.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.5.4 Moments, levers and gears (Phys only) · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The hinge acts as the pivot (point of rotation)
2. A moment (turning effect) is created when a force is applied to the handle
3. Moment = force × perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force
4. A greater perpendicular distance means a larger moment is produced for the same applied force, so less force is needed to open the door

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-uses-a-door-handle-a01687a5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.