Turning Effect of Forces – Notes

Q1. Can the nut of the axle of a bike be loosened with hand why we use a spanner
for this purpose?
Ans: No, we cannot loosen the nut of the axel of a bike. Normally we use a spanner because a spanner increases
the
turning effect of the force which easily loosened the nut of the axle of a bike.

Q2. What is the joker doing in the figure?

Ans: He is trying to balance himself on a wooden plank which is placed over a cylindrical pipe. Due to open the arms
he is doing its center of mass as low as possible to make him stable.

Q3. Women and children in the villages often carry pitchers with water on their
heads how this is possible?
Ans: Woman and children keep itself upright when carrying pitchers on their heads. The pitcher has a heavy semi-
spherical
base. When it is tilted, its center of mass rises. It returns to its upright position at which its center of mass is at its
lowest.
That is why women and children in the villages often carry pitchers with water on their heads.

Q4. With a little effort, we can learn to balance a stick vertically up on our fingertip
how this is possible?
Ans: To balance something, all you need to do is make sure that the center of gravity of the object is either directly
above or directly below the pivot point. An example would be balancing the stick on the end of a finger with the stick
pointing vertically up. If you do this you will find that the stick wants to fall over, and you need to keep moving your
finger around to keep this from happening.

Q5. What is meant by parallel forces?

Ans:   Parallel Forces:
          In a plane, if several forces act on a body such that their points of action are different but lines of action are
parallel to each other, then these forces are called parallel forces.

Q6. What is the difference between like and unlike parallel forces?
OR
Define like and unlike parallel force?
Ans: See Q # 4.3(i) from Exercise.

Q7. Many people push a bus to start it why all of them push it in the same
direction?
Ans: Like forces acting in the same direction increases the resultant force which moves the bus easily.

Q8.  Explain the unlike parallel forces in the given figure?

Ans: An apple is suspended by a string. The string is stretched due to weight of the apple. The forces acting on it
are; the weight of the apple acting vertically downwards and the tension in the string pulling it vertically upwards.
The two forces are parallel but opposite to each other. These forces are called, unlike parallel forces.

Q9.  Explain the unlike parallel forces in the given figure?

Ans: In the figure, Forces F1 and F2 are also unlike parallel Forces, because they are parallel and opposite to each
Other. But F1 and F2 are not acting along the same line and Hence, they are capable to rotate the body.

Q10.  Define the resultant vector?

Ans:   Resultant Vector:
A resultant vector is a single vector that has the same effect as the combined effect of all the vectors to be added
 OR
            The sum of two or more vector is a single vector which has the same effect as the combined effect of all the
vectors to be added. This single vector is called the resultant vector.

Q11.  How head to tail rule helps to find resultant of forces?

Ans:    See Q # 4.4 from Exercise

Q12.  What is meant by trigonometry? Give some important trigonometric ratios.

Ans:   Trigonometry:
Trigonometry is that branch of mathematics which deals with the properties of a right-angled triangle.
Trigonometric ratios:
Consider a right-angled triangle ∆ABC having θ at A.
sin θ = Perpendicular/ Hypotenuse = BC/AB
cos θ = Base/Hypotenuse = AC/AB
tan θ = Perpendicular/Base = BC/AC
Note:
To remember trigonometric ratios, we use following sentence:
“Some people have – Curly brown hair – Through proper brushing”
Pythagoras theorem:
(Hypotenuse)2  = (Base)2 + (Perpendicular)2

Q13.  How can a force be resolved into its rectangular components?

OR
Explain the resolution of the vector?
Ans:    See Q # 4.5 from Exercise
Trigonometric Table

Ratio/θ 0⁰ 30⁰ 45⁰ 60⁰

sin θ 0 0.5 0.707 0.866

cos θ 1 0.866 0.707 0.5

tan θ 0 0.577 1 1.732

 
Mini Exercise
 
    In a right-angled triangle length of the base is 4 cm and its perpendicular is 3 cm.
Find:
(i)    Length of hypotenuse              (ii)      sin θ
(iii)     cos θ                                       (iv)     tan θ
Solution:
 Length of hypotenuse:
Pythagoras theorem:
          (Hypotenuse)2  = (Base)2 + (Perpendicular)2
(Hypotenuse)2  = (4)2 + (3)2
(Hypotenuse)2  = 16 + 9
(Hypotenuse)2  = 25    by taking square root on both sides
Hypotenuse = 5 cm
 sin θ:
sin θ = Perpendicular / Hypotenuse = 3 / 5
 cos θ:
cos θ  = Base / Hypotenuse = 4 / 5
 tan θ:
tan θ = Perpendicular / Base = 3 / 4

Q14.  Briefly explain the determination of a force from its perpendicular

components?
Ans:   Determination of a Force or a vector from its Perpendicular Components:
Consider FX and Fy as the perpendicular components of a force F. These perpendicular components FX and Fy
are represented by lines OP and PR respectively.
According to head to tail rule:
 OR = OP + PR
Thus, OR will completely represent the force F whose x and y-components are FX and Fy respectively. That is
F = FX + Fy
Magnitude of resultant force/Magnitude of resultant vector:
The magnitude of the force F can be determined using the right angled triangle OPR
As
(OR)2 = (OP)2 + (PR)2
F2 = FX2 + Fy2
Hence
F = √Fx2 + Fy2             (i)
Direction of the resultant force/Direction of the resultant vector:
The direction of the force F with x-axis is given by
tan θ = PR / OP = Fy / FX
θ = tan-1 Fy / FX

Q15.  Why it is easy to open and close the door by pulling or pushing it as it
handles?
Ans:    We open or close a door by pushing or pulling it. Here push or pull turn the door about its hinge or axis of
rotation. The door is opened or closed due to the turning effect of the force acting on it.

Q16.  What do you mean by a rigid body?

Ans:   Rigid Body:
A body is composed of a large number of small particles. If the distances between all pairs of particles of the body
do not change by applying a force then it is called a rigid body. In other words, a rigid body is the one that is not
deformed by force or forces acting on it.

Q17.  What do you mean by the axis of rotation?

Ans:   Axis of rotation:
Consider a rigid body rotating about a line. The particles of the body move in circles with their centers all lying on
this line. This line is called the axis of rotation of the body.

Q18.  Name some objects that work by the turning effects of forces.
Ans:    Turning pencil in sharpener, turning stopcock of a water tap, turning the doorknob and so on are some of the
examples where a force produces turning effect.
 
1. Name some more objects that work by the turning effects of forces.
Ans:        (i)        Torque is produced when a force is applied to paddle of a bicycle. Because by applying force its
wheels experience the rotational effect (torque)
(ii)       Torque is produced when a force is applied to the door to open.

Q19.  Define torque. What is its unit? On what factors torque (moment of a force)
depends?
Ans:   Torque (moment of a force):
The turning effect of a force is called torque or moment of the force.
Torque τ = F × L
 Torque is a vector quantity and its direction can be found by using the right-hand rule.
Unit of torque:
Unit of torque is Nm.
Torque depends upon two factors
The torque or moment of a force depends upon the force F and the moment arm L of the force.
1. Magnitude of the force(F)
Greater is a force, greater is the moment of the force.
Τ ∝ F   ………………………………………. (i)
1. Moment arm
Similarly, longer is the moment arm, greater is the moment of the force.
Τ ∝ L    ………………………………………. (ii)

Q20.  Why the handle of a door is fixed near the outer edge of a door?
OR
Why door handles usually on the opposite edge of the door from the hinge?
Ans:    We can open or close a door more easily by applying a force at the outer edge of a door rather than near the
hinge.
The moment produced by a force using a greater moment arm is greater than the torque produced by the same
force by using a shorter moment arm.
Therefore, the handle of a door is fixed near the outer edge of a door. (Τ ∝ L)

Q21.  Why it is easy to tighten a nut using a spanner of the longer arm than a
spanner of the shorter arm?
Ans:    A spanner having long arm helps to loosen or tighten a nut or a bolt with greater ease than the one having
short arm. It is because of the turning effect(torque) of the force increases. (Τ ∝ L)

Q22.   What do you mean by a line of action of a force?

Ans:   Line of action of a force:
The line along which a force act is called the line of action of the force. In figure, line BC is the lie of action of force
F.

Q23.  Define the moment arm.

Ans:   Moment arm:
The perpendicular distance between the axis of rotation and the line of action of the force is called the moment arm
of the force. It is represented by the distance L.

Q24.  What do you mean by newton-meter (Nm)?

Ans:   SI unit of torque is newton-meter (Nm).
Newton-meter (Nm):
A torque of 1 N m is caused by a force of 1 N acting perpendicular to the moment arm 1 m long.
Mini Exercise
 
A force of 150 N can loosen a nut when applied at the end of spanner 10 cm long.
Solution:        F = 150 N
L = 10 cm = 10 / 100 = 0.1 m
Torque Τ = F × L
= 150 N × 0.1 m
= 15 Nm

1. What should be the length of the spanner to loosen the same nut with a 60 N force?
Ans:   F = 60 N
          Τ = 15 Nm
L=?
L=Τ/F
L = 15 / 60
= 0.25 m
2. How much force would be sufficient to loosen it with a 6 cm long spanner?
Solution:        L = 6 cm = 6 /100 = 0.06 m
Τ = 15 Nm
F =?
F=Τ/L
F = 15 / 0.06 = 250 N

Q25.  Describe the principle of the moment?

Ans:   Principle of moments:
According to the principle of moments
A body is balanced if the sum of clockwise moments acting on the body is equal to the sum of anticlockwise
moments acting on it.
Explanation:
          Clockwise moment:
A force that turns a spanner in the clockwise direction is generally used to tighten a nut. The torque or moment of
force so produced is called clockwise moment.
Anticlockwise moment:
On the other hand, to loosen a nut, the force is applied such that it turns the nut in the anticlockwise direction. The
torque or moment of force so produced is called anticlockwise moment.
Note:
A body initially at rest does not rotate if the sum of all the clockwise moments acting on it is balanced by the sum of
all the anticlockwise moments acting on it. This is known as the principle of moments.
 
QUICK QUIZ
 
1. Can a small child play with a fat child on the seesaw? Explain how?
Ans:    Yes, they can play on see-saw, the fat child has a larger weight that’s mean
Larger force and smaller child have a smaller weight and smaller force. So, to play, a larger weight should be a
smaller distance from the center of the see saw and the smaller weight should be at larger distance from the center
of the see saw. IN another situation a fat child cannot play with small child if they have equal distances from the
center see-saw.

2. Two children are sitting on the see-saw, such that they cannot swing. What is the
net torque in this situation?
Ans:    Net torque in this situation is zero. Because clockwise torque will cancel the effect of anticlockwise torque.

Q26.  Explain how center of mass helps the system to move as well as rotate?
Ans:   Center of mass:
Center of the mass of a system is such a point where an applied force causes the system to move without rotation.
Explanation:
It is observed that the center of mass of a system moves as if its entire mass is confined at that point. A force
applied at such a point in the body does not produce any torque in it i.e. the body moves in the direction of net force
F without rotation.

Q27.  Define center of gravity?

Ans:   Center of gravity:
A point where the whole weight of the body appears to act vertically downward is called center of gravity of a body.
Note:
It is useful to know the location of center of gravity of a body in problems dealing with equilibrium.

Q28.  List the center of gravity of some symmetrical objects?

Ans:   Center of gravity of symmetrical objects:
The center of gravity of objects which have symmetrical shapes can be found from their geometry.
The center of gravity of a uniform rod:
The center of gravity of a uniform rod lies at a point where it is balanced. This balance point is its middle point G.
Center of gravity of a uniform square or a rectangular sheet:
     The center of gravity of a uniform square or a rectangular sheet is the point of intersection of its diagonals.
Center of gravity of a uniform circular disc:
     The center of gravity of a uniform circular disc is its center.
Center of gravity of a solid sphere or hollow sphere:
     The center of gravity of a solid sphere or hollow sphere is the center of the spheres.
Center of gravity of a uniform circular ring:
     The center of gravity of a uniform circular ring is the center of the ring.
Center of gravity of a uniform solid or hollow cylinder:
     The center of gravity of a uniform solid or a hollow cylinder is the middle point on its axis.
 

No. Object Center of gravity

1. Uniform rod Center of the rod

2. Round plate Center of the plate

3. Sphere Center of the sphere

4. Triangular plate Point of intersection of the medians

5. Cylinder Central point of axis

6. Square, Rectangle, parallelogram Point of intersection of the diagonals

 
 
Q29.  Explain an experiment to find the center of gravity of a four-sided plate of
uniform thickness. How can you verify your answer by using geometry?
OR
          Explain an experiment to find the center of gravity of an irregular shaped thin
lamina?
Ans: A simple method to find the center of gravity of a body is by the use of a plumb line.
Plumb line:
     A plumb line consists of a small metal bob (lead or glass) supported by a string. When the bob is suspended
freely by the string, it rests along the vertical direction due to its weight acting vertically downward. In this state,
center of gravity of the bob is exactly below its point of suspension.
Experiment:
     Take an irregular piece of cardboard. Make holes A, B and C near its edge. Fix a nail on a wall. Support the
cardboard on the nail through one of the holes (let it be A), so that the cardboard can swing freely about A. The
cardboard will come to rest with its center of gravity just vertically below the nail. A vertical line from A can be
located using a plumb line hung from the nail. Mark the line on the cardboard behind the plumb line.
Repeat it by supporting the cardboard from the hole B. The line from B will intersect at a point G. Similarly, draw
another line from the whole C. Note that this line also passes through G. I will be found that all the vertical lines from
holes A, B and C have a common point G. This common point G is the center of gravity of the cardboard.
 
 
 
Q30.  Define a couple. Describe its role in steering wheel double arm spanner?
Ans: Couple:
       A couple is formed by two unlike parallel forces of the same magnitude but not along the same line.
Role of a couple in the steering wheel:
      When a driver turns a vehicle, he applies forces that produce a torque. This torque turns the steering wheel.
These forces act on opposite sides of the steering wheel and are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.
These two forces form a couple.
Role of a couple in double arm spanner:
      A double arm spanner I used to open a nut. Equal forces each of magnitude F are applied on the ends A and B
of a spanner in opposite direction. These forces form a couple that turns the spanner about point O. The torques
produced by both the forces of a couple have the same direction. Thus, the total torque produced by the couple will
be
     Total torque of the couple = F × OA × F × OB
                                              = F(OA + OB)
Torque of the couple   = F × AB …….  (i)
Equation (i) gives the torque produced by a couple of forces F and F separated by distance AB
Torque of a couple:
     The torque of a couple is given by the product of one of the two forces and the perpendicular distance between
them.

Q31.  When a body is said to be in equilibrium?

OR
                   Define equilibrium.
Ans: See Q # 4.6 from Exercise.

Q32. Explain the first condition for equilibrium.

Ans:  See Q # 4.7 from Exercise.

Q33. What is the second condition for equilibrium?

Ans: See Q # 4.9 from Exercise.

Q34. Why there is a need for second condition for equilibrium if a body satisfies the
first condition for equilibrium?
Ans: See Q # 4.8 from Exercise.

Q35. How does a paratrooper come down?

Ans: A paratrooper comes down with terminal velocity is in equilibrium.
A paratrooper coming down with terminal velocity (constant velocity) also satisfies the first condition for equilibrium
and is thus in equilibrium.

Q36. Define terminal velocity?

Ans: Terminal velocity:
              The maximum and constant velocity of an object falling vertically downward is called terminal velocity.
Terminal velocity = Vt = 2gr2 ρ / 9 η
     Where g = acceleration due to gravity, r = radius, ρ = density, η = viscosity.

QUICK QUIZ
 
1. A ladder leaning against at a wall as shown in the figure is in equilibrium. How?
Ans: In this case three forces involved are:
 The weight of the ladder
 The reaction at the wall (R1)-at right angles because the wall is smooth.
 The reaction at the ground (R2)-not at right angle
As the ground is rough and all the forces pass through the same point. The vector diagram for the three forces will
cancel the effect of each other therefore ladder leaning at a wall will be in equilibrium.
1. The weight of the ladder in the figure produces an anticlockwise torque. The wall
pushes the ladder at its top end thus produces a clockwise torque. Does the ladder
satisfy the second condition for equilibrium?
Ans:        Yes, the ladder satisfies the second condition for equilibrium because the clockwise torque will cancel the
effect of anticlockwise torque.So, the resultant torque acting in this situation is zero.

1. Does the speed of a ceiling fan go on increasing all the time?

Ans: No, the speed of a ceiling fan does not go on increasing all the time. Fan will move with constant speed.

2. Does the fan satisfy second condition for equilibrium when rotating with uniform
speed?
Ans: Yes, a rotating ceiling fan satisfies second condition for equilibrium. Because ceiling fan rotating at constant
speed is in equilibrium as net torque acting on it is zero
∑τ=0

Q37.Explain what is meant by stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium. Give one
example in each case.
OR
        Briefly explain the states of equilibrium?
Ans: States of equilibrium:
     There are three states of equilibrium: stable equilibrium, unstable equilibrium and neutral equilibrium.
1. Stable equilibrium:
A body is said to be in stable equilibrium if after a slight tilt it returns to its previous position.
Example:
Consider a book lying on the table. Tilt the book slightly about its one edge by lifting it from the opposite side as
shown in the figure. It returns to its previous position when sets free. Such a state of the body is called stable
equilibrium.
Features of stable equilibrium:
When a body is in stable equilibrium, its center of gravity is at the lowest position. When it is tilted, its center of
gravity rises. It returns to its stable state by lowering its center of gravity. A body remains in stable equilibrium as
long as the center of gravity acts through the base of the body.
Explanation:
Consider a block shown in the figure. When the block is tilted, its center of gravity G rises. If the vertical line through
G passes through its base in the tilted position as shown in figure (b), the block returns to its previous position. If the
vertical line through G gets out of its base as shown in figure(c), the block does not return to its previous position.
2. Unstable equilibrium:
If a body does not return to its previous position when sets free after the slightest tilt is said to be in unstable
equilibrium.
Example:
Take a pencil and try to keep it in the vertical position on its tip as shown in the figure. Whenever you leave it, the
pencil topples over about its tip and falls. This is called an unstable equilibrium. Thus, a body is unable to keep itself
in the state of unstable equilibrium.
Features of unstable equilibrium:
The center of gravity of the body is at its highest position in the state of unstable equilibrium. As the body topples
over about its base (tip), it’s center of gravity moves towards its lower position and does not return to its previous
position.
  
Q38. Discuss the stability and position of center of mass with the reference of
example?
OR
          Give a few examples in which lowering of center of mass make the objects
stable?
Ans: Stability and position of center of mass:
Position of center of mass of an object plays an important role in their stability. To make them stable, their center of
mass must be kept as low as possible.
Examples:
 Height of vehicles (racing car) is kept low:
It is due to this reason; racing cars are made heavy at the bottom and their height is kept to be minimum.
 Walking of circus artists on a tight rope:
Circus artists such as tight rope walkers use long poles to lower their center of mass. In this way they are prevented
from toppling over.
 Sewing needle fixed in a cork:
Figure shows a sewing needle fixed in a cork. The cork is balanced on the tip of the needle by hanging forks. The
forks lower the center of mass of the system.
4. Perch parrot:
Figure (a) shows a perched parrot which is made heavy at its tail. Figure (b) shows a toy that keeps itself upright
when tilted. It has a heavy semi-spherical base. When it is tilted, its center of mass rises. It returns to its upright
position at which its center of mass is at its lowest.
 

Q39.  Why a vehicle is made heavy at its bottom?

Ans:   A vehicle is made heavy at its bottom to keep its center of gravity as low as possible. A lower center of gravity
keeps it stable. Moreover, the base of a vehicle is made wide so that the vertical line passing through its center of
gravity should not get out of its base during a turn.

Short Questions
4.2 Define the following
(i) Resultant Vector
(ii) Torque
(iii) Centre of mass
(iv) Centre of gravity
Ans:   
 Resultant Vector
A resultant vector is a single vector that has the same effect as the combined effect of all the vectors to be added.
OR
The sum of two or more vector is a single vector, which has the same effect as the combined effect of all the vectors
to be added. This single vector is called the resultant vector.
 
 Torque
          The turning effect of a force is called torque or moment of the force.
Torque =F x L
Torque is a vector quantity and its direction can be found by using the right and rule.
Unit of torque
Unit of torque is Nm
 
 Centre of Mass
Centre of the mass of a system is such a point where an applied force causes the system to move without rotation.
 
 Centre of Gravity
A point where the whole weight of the body appears to act vertically downward is called Centre of gravity of a body.

4.3 Differentiate between the following:

(i)   Like and unlike forces
(ii)  Torque and couple
(iii) Stable and neutral equilibrium
Ans:
(i) Difference between like and unlike forces:
 Like parallel Force Unlike parallel force

Like parallel forces are the forces that are parallel to each other and Unlike parallel forces are the forces that are pa
have the same direction opposite to each other.

Explanation:

The forces F1, F2 and F3 are acting at points A, B and C respectively.

Since the direction of the applied forces F1, F2 and F3 are the same, so these are like parallel forces. The applied forces F
opposite direction, so these are unlike parallel forces.

 (ii) Difference between Torque and Couple:

Torque is the special kind of force that can rotate an object about an axis. While a force is described as the pull or
push, it is better to think of torques as a twist
In a special case when applied force vectors add to zero, then the force is called a couple and their moment is
called torque. Thus, the rotational force that produces no moment of the tow forces. The moment of a couple is
called a torque.
When a driver turns a steering wheel, he exerts two equal but opposite forces on it. The two forces form a couple.
The turning effect of a couple is the sum of moment of the two forces. The moment of a couple is called Torque.
 
 (iii)Difference between stable and neutral equilibrium
    States of equilibrium:
There are three states of equilibrium
 Stable equilibrium
 Unstable equilibrium
 Neutral equilibrium
 
 Stable equilibrium:
     When the Centre of gravity of a body lies below the point of the suspension or support, the body is said to be in
stable equilibrium. For example, a book lying on the table is in stable equilibrium.
Explanation:
A book lying on the horizontal surface is an example of a stable equilibrium. If the book is lifted from one edge and
then allowed to fall, it will come back to its original position. Other examples of stable equilibrium are bodies lying on
the floor such as chair, table etc.
Reason for stability:
      When the book is lifted, its center of gravity is raised. The line of action of weight passes through the base of the
book. Torque due to the weight of the book brings it back to the original position.
 
 Unstable Equilibrium:
When the Centre of gravity of a body lies above the point of suspension or support, the body is said to be in
unstable equilibrium.
Example
 Pencil standing on its pint or a stick in a vertically standing position.
 Explanation:
If a thin rod standing vertically is slightly disturbed from its position it will not come back to its original position. This
type of equilibrium is called unstable equilibrium, other examples of unstable equilibrium are vertically standing
cylinder and tunnel.
Reason for instability:
        When the rod is slightly disturbed its Centre of gravity is lowered. The line of action of its weight lies outside the
base of the rod. The torque due to the weight of the rod toppled it down.
 
 Neutral equilibrium:
When the Centre of gravity of a body lies at the point of suspension or support, the body is said to be in neutral
equilibrium.
Explanation:
If a ball is pushed slightly to roll, neither will it come back to its original position nor it will roll forward rather it will
remain at rest. This type of equilibrium is called a neutral equilibrium.
 Reason of neutral equilibrium:
If a ball is rolled, its Centre of gravity is neither raised nor lowered. This means that its Centre of gravity is at the
same height as before.

4.4 How head to tail rule helps to find the resultant of forces?
Ans:
Addition of vectors by head to the tail rule:
          To add the vectors, draw the representative lines of these vectors in such a way that the head of the first
vector coincides with the tail of the second vector. The line joining the tail of the first vector with the head of the
second vector represents the resultant vector. The direction of the resultant vector is from the tail of the first vector
towards the head of the second. This is called head to tail rule.
Note:
It should note that head to the tail rule can be used to add any number of forces. The vector representing the
resultant force gives the magnitude and direction of the resultant force.

4.5 How a force be resolved into its rectangular components?

Ans:
Resolution of forces/vectors:
The process of splitting up vectors into their component forces is called resolution of forces.
OR
Splitting up of a force into two mutually perpendicular components is called resolution of that force. Vector resolution
is reverse from vector addition.
Perpendicular component/rectangular components:
Consider a force F represented by line OA making an angle with x-axis. Draw a perpendicular AB on x-axis
from A. According to head to tail rule, OA is the resultant vector represented by OB and BA.
Thus
OA=OB+BA………………. (1)
From figure
F= Fx+Fy ………………… (2)
Magnitude of horizontal component:
In right angled triangle OBA
Cos = base/hypotenuse= OB/OA
= Cos
Fx = F Cos …………………….. (3)
Magnitude of vertical component (Fy):
Sin = perpendicular/hypotenuse= BA/OA
= Sin
Fy= F Sin ……………… (4)
Equations (3) and (4) gives the magnitude of horizontal and rectangular components.

4.6 Why a body is said to be in equilibrium?

Ans:
A body is said to be in equilibrium if no net force acts on it. A body in equilibrium thus remains at rest or moves with
uniform velocity.
Examples:
      A car moving with uniform velocity on a levelled road and an aeroplane flying in the air with uniform velocity is an
example of bodies in equilibrium
Conditions of equilibrium:
In the above examples, we see that a body at rest or in uniform motion is in equilibrium if the resultant force acting
on it is zero. For a body in equilibrium, it must satisfy certain conditions. There are two conditions of equilibrium.

4.7 Explain the first condition of equilibrium.

Ans:
First condition of equilibrium:
                    A body is said to satisfy the first condition of equilibrium if the resultant of all the forces acting on it is
zero.
Explanation:
Let n number of forces F1, F2, F3,…………., Fn is acting on a body such that
F1+F2+F3+……….+Fn  = 0
Or
∑ F= 0 ……………. (1)
The symbol ∑ is a Greek letter called Sigma used for summation. Equation (1)
Is called the first condition of equilibrium.
First condition of equilibrium can also be stated in terms of x and y components.
F1x+F2x+F3x+……….+Fnx  = 0
And
F1y+F2y+F3y+……….+Fny = 0
Or
∑ Fx = 0
And
                                           ∑ Fy  = 0
Examples:
A book lying on the table or a picture hanging on the wall, is at rest and thus satisfy first condition of equilibrium and
is thus in equilibrium.
A paratrooper coming down with terminal velocity (constant velocity) also satisfies first condition for equilibrium and
is thus in equilibrium.

4.8 Why there is a need for second condition of equilibrium if a body satisfies first
condition of equilibrium?
Ans:
Case1:
        First condition for equilibrium does not ensure that a body is in equilibrium.
Consider a body pulled by the forces F1 and F2. The two forces are equal but opposite to each other. Both are
acting along the same line; hence, their results will be zero. According to the first condition, the body will be in
equilibrium.
Case2:
Now shift the location of the forces as shown in the figure. In this situation, the body is not in equilibrium although
the first condition of equilibrium is still satisfied.it is because the body tends to rotate. This situation demands
another condition for equilibrium in addition to the first condition i.e. second condition of equilibrium. According to
this, a body satisfies the second condition when resultant torque acting on it is zero.
∑    = 0

4.9 What is second condition of equilibrium?

  Second condition of equilibrium
Ans:
A body satisfies second condition for equilibrium when the resultant torque acting on its zero. Mathematically
∑    = 0

4.10 Give an example of a moving body, which is in equilibrium.

Ans:
      A car moving with uniform velocity on a levelled road and an aeroplane flying in the air with uniform velocity is an
example of bodies in equilibrium
A paratrooper coming down with terminal velocity (constant velocity) also satisfies the first condition for equilibrium
and is thus in equilibrium.
 
4.11 Think of a body that is in rest but not in equilibrium.
 Ans:
Rest implies stationary equilibrium implies a resultant force of zero. Therefore, a body in equilibrium could be
moving. For example a skydiver at terminal velocity, where resistive forces are equal to the force of gravity. This
means that a body can be in equilibrium and not at rest, but a body at rest must be in equilibrium. Otherwise, it
would move so to answer the question: it is impossible.
 4.12 Why a body cannot be in equilibrium due to a single force acting on it?
Ans:
No, with only a single force present, the body will accelerate infinitely in the direction of the force.
Because the force that is alone applied will have, some direction and the object will try to move in this direction
under its influence. However, if two opposite and equal forces take part it gives rise to a null vector force. The body
can be in rotational equilibrium under the impact of a single force.

4.13 Why the height of the vehicles is kept as low as possible?

Ans:
As the whole the weight of the body acts on center of gravity so, in case of racing car center of gravity must be close
to the earth so that there are fewer chances of overturning of the car.
If the car is high, it is easy to produce the torque in the car due to a large moment arm, and the car can take the
somersault (forward roll)
 
4.14 Explain what is meant by stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium. Give an
example of each.
Ans:
See Q#4.3(iii) from exercise.
Numerical Problems
 
 
4.1 Find the resultant of the following forces:
 10 N along x-axis
 6 N along y-axis and
 4 N along negative x-axis. (8.5 N making 45⁰ with x-axis)
 
Solution:        Fx = Net force along x-axis = 10.4 = 6 N
Fy = Force along y-axis = 5 N
Magnitude of the resultant force = F = ?
F = √Fx2 + Fy2
F = √(6)2 + (6)2
                                
F = √36 + 36
= √72 = 8.5 N
Now, θ = tan-1 = Fy / Fx
                                θ = tan = 6 / 6
-1 

θ = tan (1) -1 

θ = 45⁰ with x-axis

4.2 Find the perpendicular components of a force of 50 N making an angle of 30⁰

with x-axis.               (43.3 N, 25 N)
Solution:        Force F = 50 N
Angle θ = 30⁰
                                
Fx = ? and Fy = ?
Fx = F cos θ
Fx = 50 × cos 30
= 50 N × 0.866                 (˙.˙ cos 30⁰ = 0.866)
Fx = 43.3 N
Similarly,        Fy = F sin θ
Fy = 50 × 0.5                          (˙.˙ sin 30⁰ = 0.5)
Fy = 25 N
 
4.3 Find the magnitude and direction of a force, if its x-component is 12 N and y-
component is 5 N.                                                (13 N making 22.6⁰ with x-axis)
Solution:        Fx = 12 N
 Fy = 5 N
 Magnitude of the force = F = ?
 Direction of the force = θ = ?
 
F = √Fx2 + Fy2
F = √(12)2 + (5)2
F = √144+25
F = 13 N
 
(ii)      θ = tan-1 = Fy / Fx
-1 
                                                θ = tan = 12 / 5
-1 
θ = tan (2.4)
θ = 22.6⁰ with x-axis
 
4.4 A force of 100 N is applied perpendicularly on a spanner at a distance of 10 cm
from a nut. Find the torque produced by the force.                    (10 Nm)
Solution:        Force = F = 100 N
Distance = L = 10 cm = 0.1 m
Torque Τ = ?
Torque Τ = F × L
= 100 N × 0.1 m
= 10 Nm

4.5 A force is acting on a body making an angle of 30⁰ with the horizontal. The
horizontal component of the force is 20 N. Find the force.            (23.1 N)
Solution:      Angle θ = 30⁰ (with x-axis)
Horizontal component of force Fx = 20 N
Force F = ?
Fx = F cos θ
20 N = F cos 30⁰
20 N = F × 0.866                  (˙.˙ cos 30⁰ = 0.866)
F = 20 N / 0.866 = 23.09
F = 23.1 N
 
4.6 The steering of a car has a radius 16 cm. Find the torque produced by a couple
of 50 N.                                                                             (16 Nm)
Solution:        Radius = r = L = 16 cm = 16/100 m = 0.16 m
Couple arm = L = 16 cm = 16/100 m = 0.16 m
Force = F = 50 N
Torque Τ = ?
Torque Τ = F × L
= 50 N × (2 × 0.16)
= 16 Nm

4.7 A picture frame is hanging by two vertical strings. The tensions in the strings
are 3.8 N and 4.4 N. Find the weight of the picture frame.         (8.2 N)
Solution:        Tension T1 = 3.8 N
Tension T2 = 4.4 N
Weight of the picture frame = w = ?
When the picture is in equilibrium, then
∑ Fx = 0          and               ∑ Fy = 0
Therefore T – w = 0
Or (T1 + T2) – w = 0
T1 + T2 = w
3.8 + 4.4 = w
W = 8.2 N
4.8 Two blocks of mass 5 kg and 3 kg are suspended by the two strings as shown.
Find the tension in each string.                        (80 N, 30 N)
Solution:        Mass of large block = M = 5 kg
Mass of large block = m = 3 kg
Tension produced in each string = T1 = ? and T2 = ?
T1 = w1 + w2
T1 = Mg + mg
T1 = (M + m)g
T1 = (3+5) × 10
= 8 × 10
= 80 N
Also, T2 = mg
T2 = 3 × 10 = 30 N

4.9 A nut has been tightened by a force of 200 N using 10 cm long spanner. What
length of a spanner is required to loosen the same nut with 150 N force?           
(13.3 cm)
Solution:        Force = F1 = 200 N
Length = L1 = 10 cm = 10 / 100 = 0.1 m
Length of the spanner to tighten the same nut:
Force = F2 = 150 N
Length = L2 = ?
Since              Τ1 = Τ2
F1 × L1 =  F2 × L2
200 × 0.1 = 150 × L2
20 = 150 × L2
L2 = 20 / 150 = 0.133 m = 0.133 × 100 = 13.3 cm

4.10 A block of mass 10 kg is suspended at a distance of 20 cm from the center of a

uniform bar 1 m long. What force is required to balance it at its center of gravity by
applying the force at the other end of the bar?                (40 N)
Solution:        Mass of the block = m = 10 kg
Length of the bar = l = 1 m
Moment arm of w1 = L1 = 20 cm = 0.2 m
Moment arm of w2 = L2 = 50 cm = 0.5 m
Force required to balance the bar F2 = ?
By applying principle of moments:
Clockwise moments = anticlockwise moments
F1 × L1 =  F2 × L2
                mg × L1 =  F2 × L2
                (10 ×10 ) × 0.2 =  F2 × 0.5
20 = F2 × 0.5
F2 = 20 / 0.5 = 200 / 5 = 40 N