INTRODUCTION
We have been studying forces acting at one point. But, sometimes, the given forces have their lines
of action parallel to each other. A little consideration will show, that such forces do not meet at
any point, though they do have some effect on the body on which they act. The forces, whose lines
of action are parallel to each other, are known as parallel forces.
CLASSIFICATION OF PARALLEL FORCES
The parallel forces may be, broadly, classified into the following two categories, depending upon
their directions:
1. Like parallel forces.
2. Unlike parallel forces.
LIKE PARALLEL FORCES
The forces, whose lines of action are parallel to each other and all of them act in the same
direction as shown in Fig.(a) are known as like parallel forces.
UNLIKE PARALLEL FORCES
The forces, whose lines of action are parallel to each other and all of them do not act in the same
direction as shown in Fig.(b) are known as unlike parallel forces.
METHODS FOR MAGNITUDE AND POSITION OF THE RESULTANT OF
PARALLEL FORCES
The magnitude and position of the resultant force, of a given system of parallel forces (like or
unlike) may be found out analytically or graphically. Here we shall discuss both the methods one
by one.
ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR THE RESULTANT OF PARALLEL FORCES
In this method, the sum of clockwise moments is equated with the sum of anticlockwise
moments about a point.
Example 1. Two like parallel forces of 50 N and 100 N act at the ends of a rod 360 mm long.
Find the magnitude of the resultant force and the point where it acts.
Solution. Given : The system of given forces is shown in Figure.
Magnitude of the resultant force
Since the given forces are like and parallel, therefore magnitude of the resultant force,
R = 50 + 100 = 150 N Ans.
Point where the resultant force acts
Let x = Distance between the line of action of the resultant force (R) and A (i.e. AC) in
mm.
Now taking clockwise and anticlockwise moments of the forces about C and equating the
same,
50 × x = 100 (360 – x) = 36 000 – 100
or 50 x = 36 000
36000
𝑥= = 240𝑚𝑚
150
Example 4.2. A beam 3 m long weighing 400 N is suspended in a horizontal position by two
vertical strings, each of which can withstand a maximum tension of 350 N only. How far a body
of 200 N weight be placed on the beam, so that one of the strings may just break ?
Solution. The system of given forces is shown in Figure.
Let x = Distance between the body of weight 200 N and support A.
We know that one of the string (say A) will just break, when the tension will be 350 N. (i.e., *RA
= 350 N). Now taking clockwise and anticlockwise moments about B and equating the same,
350 × 3 = 200 (3 – x) + 400 × 1.5
or 1 050 = 600 – 200 x + 600 = 1200 – 200 x
200 x = 1 200 – 1 050 = 150
150
or 𝑥 = 200 = 0.75𝑚
Example 4.3. Two unlike parallel forces of magnitude 400 N and 100 N are acting in such a way
that their lines of action are 150 mm apart. Determine the magnitude of the resultant force and
the point at which it acts.
Solution. Given : The system of given force is shown in Figure
Magnitude of the resultant force
Since the given forces are unlike and parallel, therefore magnitude of the resultant force,
R = 400 – 100 = 300 N Ans.
Point where the resultant force acts
Let x = Distance between the lines of action of the resultant force and A in mm.
Now taking clockwise and anticlockwise moments about A and equating the same,
300 × x = 100 × 150 = 15 000
15000
or 𝑥= = 50𝑚𝑚
300
