Statics

Forces | Turning Forces | Deformation

By: Gisel Forrester & David Robinson 2021

‘Forces’ Objectives
Explain the effects of forces;
Identify types of forces;
Determine the weight of objects;
Show how derived quantities and their related units are produced;
Recall the special name given to the units for some derived quantities;
Express derived units using the index notation;
Identify situations in which the application of a force will result in a turning
effect.

Forces
Weight
Hooke’s Law
Moments part 1
Centre of Gravity
Moments part 2
Table of contents page
Slides 41 to 48
Slides 57 to 73
Slides 49 to 56
Slides 4 to 22
Slides 32 to 40
Slides 23 to 31
Recap
Slides 74 onwards

Force, F
A force can cause a change in size, shape or motion of a body (direction and/or
speed)

Force, F
F = m x a
Where F = force (Newton, [N])
m = mass (kg)
a = acceleration (m/s2)

Therefore the derived units for Force:

kgm/s2 or kgms-2

Force, F
A 75kg driver accelerates a car to 5 m/s². What is the force exerted on the
driver’s seatbelt during the car’s acceleration?

F = m x a
F = 75kg x 5m/s2
F = 375 kgm/s² = 375 N

Force, F
A car has a mass of 800 kg and accelerates to 5 m/s². What is the net force acting
on the car?

F = m x a
F = 800 x 5
F = 4000 N

Contact Forces
Forces that occur when objects are physically touching each other.
Applied | Normal
Tensional | Elastic
Frictional

Applied Force
The interaction of one object on another that causes the second object to change
shape, size, or motion.

Normal Reaction/Force
The support force exerted upon an object that is in contact with another stable
object.

Tensional Force
The force that is transmitted through a rope, string or wire when pulled by forces
acting from opposite sides. The tensional force acts opposite from the applied
force.
FT
FT
Pull
Pull

Elastic Force
The force possessed by an elastic object when it is stretched or compressed.

Frictional Forces
Friction is the force that exists between the surfaces of objects as they move
across each other.
Every surface has some amount of friction on the atomic level.
Work being done against friction produces thermal energy (heat).

The two types of Friction are:

Static / starting friction – friction that prevents a stationary body from moving
and must be overcome before motion can occur.
Dynamic / kinetic / sliding friction – friction that acts to slow down a moving
object and is less than static friction.

Which gif is displaying more friction?

The one with the phone, as it has a harder time moving
https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/forces-and-motion-basics/latest/forces-and-
motion-basics_en.html

Factors affecting Friction

Roughness of surface
The area of the surfaces in contact
The velocity of the moving object
The weight of the object

Advantage of Friction:
Without it walking would be impossible as we would be slipping and sliding and cars
would skid and driving would be impossible.
Disadvantage of Friction:
Friction often leads to wear and tear of moving parts in machinery and the
unnecessary production of heat which reduces the efficiency and effectiveness of
machines.
Reducing Friction
Use grease and other lubricants around/between moving parts.
Develop or use smoother surfaces.
Use rollers, wheels or bearings to move objects.

Non - Contact Forces

Forces that occur without objects touching each other; forces that occur at a
distance.
Electric | Magnetic
Nuclear | Gravitational

Electric Forces
These forces exist between electric charges and fields.
Electrostatic forces cause an imbalance of charges, so opposite charges attract.

Electric discharge occurs when the charges try to become balanced again.

Magnetic Forces
These forces exist between magnets.
Computer, refrigerators, speakers and MRI machines use magnetic forces to work.

Nuclear Forces
These forces exist between nucleons (protons and neutrons).
Used to make nuclear power for electricity and bombs.

Gravitational Forces
These forces exist between masses.
For example, between a body and the Earth, the moon and the Earth.
Weight is a gravitational force.

https://www.liveworksheets.com/worksheets/en/Physics/Forces/
Force,_Contact_and_noncontact_forces._Net_force._lk1586001pe
Forces, Contact and Non-Contact

Weight, W
Weight is the force that acts on a mass due to gravity.

W = m x g

m = mass
unit = kg
g = gravity
unit = N/kg = m/s2
Weight unit = N

Weight, W
The mass of an object on Earth is 100 kg. What is the weight of the object on
Earth? (g = 10 N/kg)

W = m x g
W = 100 x 10
W = 1000 N

Weight, W
How much would a 60 kg person weigh on the Moon, if the gravitational field
strength is 1.6 N/kg?

W = m x g
W = 60 x 1.6
W = 96 N

Weight, W
As the weight equation shows us, the weight is directly proportional to the mass of
the object and the gravity.

W = m x g
100 x 10 = 1000N
100 x 1.6 = 160N
As mass increases, weight increases
As gravity increases, weight increases

Mass is a measure of how much matter is in an object.

Unit = kilograms (kg)
Fixed despite being on different planets
Scalar quantity (only has a magnitude)
Measured by triple beam balance.
Mass
Weight
Weight is the force that acts on a mass due to gravity.
Unit = Newton (N)
Can change due to gravity being different on different planets.
Vector quantity (has both a direction and magnitude)
Measured by scales

https://www.liveworksheets.com/worksheets/en/Physics/Forces_and_motion/
Gravity_Force,_Mass_and_Weight_Worksheet._lu1588345yk
- Gravity, Force, Mass and Weight Worksheet

Hooke’s Law

Objectives: Deformation
3.13 investigate the relationship between extension and force;

3.14 solve problems using Hooke’s law.

Robert Hooke
Robert Hooke
Hooke’s Law
The Spring constant
Robert Hooke was born in 1635 and the 1660’s he devised an equation describing
elasticity.

Hooke discovered that the amount a spring stretches is proportional to the amount
of force applied to it.
That is, if you double the load the extension will double
hence
Hooke’s Law States:that the force needed to extend a spring by a certain distance
is directly proportional to the distance extended before the spring reaches its
elastic limit.
For any spring, dividing the load (force) by the extension gives a value called the
spring constant (K), provided that the spring is not stretched beyond its elastic
limit.

Spring constant
Formula

Hooke’s law is Directly proportional

For any spring, dividing the load (force) by the extension gives a value called the
spring constant (k), provided that the spring is not stretched beyond its elastic
limit.

Load = spring constant x extension

F = k·Δx or F = k × e
k = F /e
Where:
F = force applied (in N)
k = spring constant (stiffness of the spring in N/m)
e or Δx = distance extended by spring (in m)

A spring is essentially an elastic object able to store mechanical energy.

Hooke's law is an explanation of elasticity – which is the tendency of an object to
restore itself to its original shape after distortion.
This force created by the object in returning to a normal shape after experiencing
distortion can be referred to as a "restoring force". When extending a spring, this
is the force that must be overcome- and Hooke’s Law states that it is directly
proportional to the length you extend the spring by.

Hooke's law simulation

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/hookes-law

Looking at the graph

Example question
As you can see, extension is directly proportional to force until the point known
as the deformation point or elastic limit.
At this point, the spring will no longer return to its original length once the
masses have been removed.
How much force is needed to pull a spring with a spring constant of 20 N/m a
distance of 25 cm?

F = k × e

= 20 N/m × 0.25m

= 5 N

How much force is needed to pull a spring with a spring constant of 20 N/m a
distance of 25 cm?
A spring is pulled to 10 cm and held in place with a force of 500 N. What is the
spring constant of the spring?
Example questions
F = k·Δx
F = 20 N/m x 0.25m

F = 5 N
F = k·Δx
k =F/Δx
Since the force is 500 N, we get

k = 500 N / 0.10 m

k = 5000 N/m

When will a force result in a turning effect?

A person pushing a swing will allow the swing to rotate about its pivot.

A worker applies a force to a wrench to rotate a bolt.

A person removes a bottle's cork by pushing down the bottle opener's lever.

A force is applied to a door knob and the door swings open about its hinge.

‘Turning Forces’ Objectives

Explain the action of common tools and devices as levers;
Define the moment of a force, T;
Apply the principle of moments;
Determine the location of the centre of gravity of a body;
Relate the stability of an object to the position of its centre of gravity and its
weight.

Machine
In physics, a machine is any device in which a force (effort) is used to overcome
another force (load). This occurs at a point of turning (pivot/fulcrum).

Some simple machines include:

Levers
Inclined plane
Pulleys
Wheel and axle
Screw jack

When will a force result in a turning effect?

A person pushing a swing will allow the swing to rotate about its pivot.

A worker applies a force to a wrench to rotate a bolt.

A person removes a bottle's cork by pushing down the bottle opener's lever.

A force is applied to a door knob and the door swings open about its hinge.

The Moment of a Force, τ/T

A moment (torque) is the turning effect of a force. Moments occur when forces cause
objects to rotate about some point (pivot/fulcrum).

The moment of a force is the product of the force and the perpendicular distance of
the line of action of the force from a point (pivot).
T = F x d | Unit: Nm

Where T = moment of a force

F = the size of the force
d = the distance between the force and the pivot

Stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium

Stable equilibrium: A body is in stable equilibrium if, when slightly displaced,
its centre of gravity rises and a restoring moment is created that returns the body
to its base.
Unstable equilibrium: A body is in unstable equilibrium if, when slightly
displaced, its centre of gravity falls and a toppling moment is created which
removes the body from its base.
Neutral equilibrium: A body is in neutral equilibrium if, when slightly displaced,
the height of its centre of gravity is unchanged and the body remains at rest in
its new position.

What is the Centre

Centre of Gravity - a point from which the weight of a body or system may be
considered to act. In uniform gravity it is the same as the centre of mass.

Centre of Mass - a point representing the mean position of the matter in a body or
system.

Finding the center of a regular shaped (geometrically shaped object)

When it comes to a regular shaped object, All you gotta do is a little math and use
your geometry set.

Finding the centre of Gravity of an irregular shaped object(Lamina)

Using a plumb line

Centre of gravity Experiment

Factors affecting the stability of an object

1. Height of its centre of gravity

2. Width of its base
3. Its weight. A larger weight increases the restoring moment of a stable body
thereby increasing its stability. It also increases the toppling moment of an
unstable body, thereby decreasing its stability.
• Go·karts have wide wheel bases and low centres of gravity in order to be more
stable.
• Large cargo buses have their baggage compartments under the floor in order to
lower the centre of gravity of the vehicle and to enhance stability.

Finding your Center of Gravity

The Principle of Moments

For a system in equilibrium, the sum of the moments in the anti-clockwise direction
about a point is equal to the sum of the moments in the clockwise direction about
the same point.
TA+ TA = TC + TC
Equilibrium = balanced, stationary.

Which forces will provide clockwise moments?

Forces F6 and F2 will provide clockwise moments about the pivot (F3).
Which forces will provide an anticlockwise moment?
Forces F1 and F5 will provide anticlockwise moments about the pivot (F3).

What about F4?

The force F4 is where the weight of the beam acts. It is the center of gravity
which acts directly at the pivot; therefore, the moment of that force is zero (0).

T = Fd = Fx0 = 0 Nm

Moment of a force Simulation

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/balancing-act/latest/balancing-act_en.html

Application of Moments
Examples of moments in everyday life include:
Opening doors
Seesaws
Wrenches

Application of Moments
T1 = F1d = 10 x 5 = 50 Nm anticlockwise moment
T2 = F2d = 15 x 2 = 30 Nm anticlockwise moment
T3 = F3d = 5 x 6 = 30 Nm clockwise moment
T1 + T2 ≠ T3 | 50 + 30 ≠ 30

What is the direction of the turning effect?

150 + 30 ≠ 30
180 Nm ≠ 30 Nm
Anticlockwise

Questions!
What is the magnitude of the:
Anticlockwise moment
T = Fd = 5x3 = 15 Nm

Clockwise moment
T = Fd = 7.5x2 = 15 Nm

Is the beam in equilibrium?

Yes, because the anticlockwise and clockwise moments about the same pivot are
equal.

Question!
Han is on the left side of the see-saw, while Tracy is on the right side of the
seesaw. The seesaw is down on Han’s side, what does that mean?

The anticlockwise moment is greater than the clockwise moment.

The clockwise moment is greater than the anticlockwise moment.

Question!
Solve for the distance x.

Anticlockwise moments = 200x5 + 300x2 = 1600 Nm

Clockwise moments = 400 x x Nm

Question!
Solve for the distance x.
1600 Nm = 400 N. x m
1600/400 = x
x = 4 m

Question 4
A uniform rod 4m long is balanced at its centre. A 4N weight is attached 1.5m to
the left of the fulcrum. A 2N weight is attached 1.8m to the right of the fulcrum.

Determine:
a. The position a 3N weight must be placed for the
system to remain balanced.
b. The magnitude of the normal force acting at the pivot.

Question 4
The position a 3 N weight must be placed for the system to remain balanced.

Ta = 4 x 1.5 = 6 Nm
Tc = 2 x 1.8 = 3.6 Nm
∑Ta = ∑Tc
6 Nm = 3.6 Nm + 3N. xm
6 - 3.6 = 3x
2.4 = 3x
2.4/3 = x
x = 0.8 m

Question 4
b. The magnitude of the normal force acting at the
pivot.

FN = 4 N + 3N + 2N
FN = 9N

Questions with 2 pivots

Recap

Forces
A force only occurs when two objects interact by either:
Contact where the objects directly interact. Eg. Friction, normal force, applied
force, tension.
Non-Contact where the objects interact without directly touching each other.Eg.
Gravitational force, Magnetic force, Electrostatic force.
Contact Forces
Friction: is the force that exists between the surfaces of objects as they move
across each other.
Tension: is the force that is transmitted through a rope, string or wire when
pulled by forces acting from opposite sides. The tensional force acts opposite from
the applied force.
Applied Force: The interaction of one object on another that causes the second
object to change shape, size, or motion.
Normal Force: The support force exerted upon an object that is in contact with
another stable object.
Non-Contact Forces
Electrostatic Force These forces exist between electric charges and fields.
Magnetic force: attraction or repulsion that arises between electrically charged
particles because of their motion.
Gravitational Force: These forces exist between masses.Eg, between a body and the
Earth, the moon and the Earth. Weight is a gravitational force.

Weight
Weight is the force that acts on a mass due to gravity.

W = m x g

m = mass unit = kg
g = gravity unit = N/kg = m/s2
W =Weight unit = N

Example question:
The mass of an object on Earth is 100 kg. What is the weight of the object on
Earth? (g = 10 N/kg)
W = m x g
W = 100 x 10
W = 1000 N
The same object is carried to Mar with a ‘g’ of 3.7N/kg what is the weight of the
object?

Hooke’s Law
Hooke’s Law States:that the force needed to extend a spring by a certain distance
is directly proportional to the distance extended.

Load = spring constant x extension

F = k·Δx or F = k × e
k = F /e
Where:
F = force applied (unit = N)
k = spring constant (stiffness of the spring in N/m)
e or Δx = extension by the spring (unit = m)

F = k·Δx

F = 20 N/m x 0.25m

F = 5 N

Simple Machines
The Lever
A lever consists of an inflexible length of material placed over a pivot point
called a fulcrum. The resistance is the object to be moved (shown here in red), and
is placed to one side of the fulcrum. The resistance distance in a lever is called
the resistance arm. The effort is exerted elsewhere on the lever, and the effort
distance is called the effort arm or effort lever arm.
A machine is an object or mechanical device that receives an input amount of work
and transfers the energy to an output amount of work. For an ideal machine, the
input work and output work are always the same. Remember that work is force times
distance; even though the work input and output are equal, the input force does not
necessarily equal the output force, nor does the input distance necessarily equal
the output distance.
Types of simple machines: lever, pulley, inclined plane, screw, wedge, and wheel
and axle.
Work is defined as the force exerted on an object multiplied by the distance the
object moves due to that force.

W=Fxd
Work = Force x Distance
Units
Nm = N x m

Moment of a force
It is easier to get a seesaw to move if you push on the board near the end rather
than near the middle. This is due to torque - the rotational version of force.
A moment (torque) is the turning effect of a force. Moments occur when forces cause
objects to rotate about some point (pivot/fulcrum).
The moment of a force is the product of the force and the perpendicular distance of
the line of action of the force from a point (pivot).
T = F x d | Unit: Nm
Where
T = moment of a force
F = the size of the force
d = the perpendicular distance from the pivot

A moment of a Force is Work

Principles of moments
The Principle of Moments states that when a body is balanced(in Equilibrium), the
total clockwise moment about a point equals the total anticlockwise moment about
the same point.

Centre of gravity
The centre of gravity (COG) of a body is a hypothetical point around which the
force of gravity appears to act. It is point at which the combined mass of the body
appears to be concentrated.
The direction of the force of gravity through the body is downward, towards the
centre of the earth and through the COG.
This line of gravity is important to understand and visualise when determining an
object’s ability to successfully maintain Balance.
When the line of gravity falls outside the Base of support (BOS), then the object
will become unstable and collapse.

Finding the centre

For a regular shape like a square, rectangle, circle, tranginle,etc. Math formulas
can be used. Or a simple balancing act at the visual center.
For a regular shaped object, there is a simple mechanical way to determine the
center of gravity:
If we just balance the object using a string or an edge, the point at which the
object is balanced is the center of gravity. (Just like balancing a pencil on your
finger!)

For irregular shaped objects it requires a multistep process:

Step 1, you hang the object from any point and you drop a weighted string from the
same point. Draw a line on the object along the string.
Step 2, repeat the procedure from another point on the object You now have two
lines drawn on the object which intersect. The center of gravity is the point where
the lines intersect.