Which term describes a moment divided by a constant to simplify weight and balance computations?

• A. Moment
• B. Moment arm
• C. Moment index
• D. Scale factor

Answer: (C)

In weight-and-balance calculations, a moment is found by multiplying a weight by its arm. To keep numbers manageable on charts, you can divide that moment by a constant to create a smaller figure called the moment index. This lets you compare and sum contributions quickly without dealing with large inch-pounds. For example, a 420-pound item at 90 inches has a moment of 37,800 in-lb; dividing by 100 yields a moment index of 378. The term moment index specifically refers to that divided value, which is why it’s the best choice. The full moment and the moment arm describe the unscaled product and the distance, while a scale factor is a broader idea of resizing values and isn’t the precise term used here.