CHAPTER-4

TURNING EFFECT OF FORCES

Q-1: What are parallel forces? What are the types of parallel forces? Explain with examples.

PARALLEL FORCE:
“Such forces which are parallel to each other are called parallel forces”.

Explanation:
We often come across objects on which many forces are acting. In many cases, we find all or
some of the forces acting on a body in the same direction.

For Example:
Many people push a bus to start it. All these forces are applied in the same direction so these
are all parallel to each other.

Types of Parallel Forces:

There are two types of parallel forces:
i. Like parallel forces
ii. Unlike parallel forces

i. Like Parallel Forces:

“Like parallel forces are the forces that are parallel to each other but have the same
direction”.

For Example:
Consider a bag with apples in it. The weight of the bag is due to the weight
of all the apples in it. Since the weight of every apple in the bag is the force of
gravity acting on it vertically downwards, therefore, weights of apples are the
parallel forces. All these forces are acting in the same direction. Such forces
are called like parallel forces.

ii. Unlike Parallel Forces:

“Unlike parallel forces are the forces that are parallel to each other but have
directions opposite to each other”.

For Example:
Consider an apple is suspended by a string. The string is stretched
due to weight of the apple. The forces acting on it areweight of the apple acting
vertically downwards and tensionin the string pulling it vertically upwards. The two
forces are parallel but opposite to each other. These forces are called unlike
parallel forces.
In figure forces F1and F2are also unlike parallel forces, because
they are parallel and opposite to each other. But F 1and F2arenot acting
along the same line and hence they are capable to rotate the body.

Q-2: What is resultant force? How vectors can be added by head to tail rule? Explain.
RESULTANT FORCE:
“A resultant force is a single force that has the same effect as the combined effect
of all the forces to be added”.

Addition of Forces:
F o r c e i s a ve c t o r q u a n t i t y. I t h a s b o t h magnitude and direction. Therefore, forces
are not added by ordinary arithmetical rules. When forces are added, we get a resultant force.One of
the methods for the addition of forces is a graphical method. In this method forces can be
added by head to tail rule of vector addition.

Head to Tail Rule:

“A graphical method which is used to find the resultant of two or more forces is called
head to tail rule”.

Explanation:
i. First select a suitable scale.
ii. Then draw the vectors of all the forces according to the scale
such as vectors A and B.
iii. Take any one of the vectors as first vector e.g., vector A. Then
draw next vector B such that its tail coincides with the head of
the first vector A.
iv. Similarly draw the next vector for the third force (if any) with its
tail coinciding with the head of the previous vector and so on.
v. Now draw a vector R such that its tail is at the tail of vector A,
the first vector, while its head is at the head of vector B, the last
vector.
Hence vector R represents the resultant force completely in magnitude and direction.

Q-3: What are trigonometric ratios? Write some trigonometric ratios.

TRIGONOMETRIC RATIOS:
“The ratio between two sides of a right angled triangle is known as trigonometric ratio.

Some Trigonometric Ratios:

The ratios between any of its two sides of a right angled triangle are given certain names
such as sine, cosine, tangent etc.
Consider a right angled triangle ∆ABC having angle θat A.
Perpandicular BC
sinθ= =
Hypotenuse AB
Base AC
cosθ = =
Hypotenuse AB
Perpandicular BC
tanθ = =
Base AC

Trigonometric Values of Some Angles:

Ratio/θ 0o 30o 45o 60o 90o

1 1 3
sinθ 0 = 0.5 = 0.707 = 0.866 1
2 2 2
 3 1 1
cosθ 1 = 0.866 = 0.707 = 0.5 0
2 2 2
1
tanθ 0 = 0.577 1 3 = 1.732 ∞
3

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Q-4: What is meant by resolution of forces? Also describe how a force can be resolved into its
perpendicular components.

RESOLUTION OF FORCES:
“ S p l i t t i n g u p o f a f o r c e i n t o t w o mu t u a l l y perpendicular components is called
the resolution of that force”.

PerpendicularComponents:
“If a force is formed from two mutually perpendicular components then such
components are called its perpendicular components”.

Explanation:
Consider a force F represented by line OA making an angle θ with x-axis. Draw a
perpendicular AB on x-axis from A. According to head to tail rule, OA is the resultant of vectors
represented by OB and BA.Thus
OA = OB + BA ….... (1)
Since the components OB and BA are perpendicular to each
other. Therefore they are called perpendicular components of OA
representing force F. Hence OB represents its x-component Fx and BA
represents its y-component F y . Therefore, equation (1) can be
expressed as
F = Fx + F y ….... (2)

Determination of Perpendicular Components:

The magnitudes of forces Fx and Fy can be found using the trigonometric ratios.
In right angled triangle OAB

Horizontal or x-Component of Force:

OB
= cosθ
OA
Fx
= cosθ
F
Fx = Fcosθ ….... (3)

Vertical or y-Component of Force:

BA
= sinθ
OA
Fy
= sinθ
F
Fy = Fsinθ ….... (4)
Equations (3) and (4) give the perpendicular components Fx and Fy respectively.

Q-5: How a force and its direction can be determined from its perpendicular components?

Determination of a Force and its Direction from Perpendicular Components:

 S in ce a f o rce can b e re so lve d in to t wo perpendicular components. Its reverse is to
determine the force knowing its perpendicular components.

Explanation:
Consider F x and F y are the perpendicular components of
force F. These perpendicular components F x and F y are represented
by lines OBand BArespectively.
According to head to tail rule:

ِ
OA = OB + BA ….... (1)
Thus OA will completely represent the force F whose x and y-components are Fxand
Fyrespectively. That is
F = Fx + F y ….... (2)

Determination of force:
T h e m a g n i t u d e o f t h e f o r c e F c a n b e determined by using Pythagoras theorem.
From the right angled triangle OAB
(OA)2 = (OB)2+ (BA)2
2
F2 = Fx2 + Fy

F = Fx2 + Fy2 ….... (3)

Determination of Direction:
The direction of force F with x-axis is given by trigonometric ratios as
BA
tanθ =
OB
F
tanθ = y
Fx
Fy
θ = tan–1( ) ….... (4)
Fx

Q-6: How will you define rigid body and axis of rotation?

RIGID BODY:
“A body is composed of 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”.
OR
“A rigid body is the one that is not deformed by force or forces acting on it”.

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”.

Example:
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.

Q-7: What is meant by torque or moment of force? What are the factors upon which torque or
moment of force depends?Also describe types and principle of moments.

TORQUE OR MOMENT OF FORCE:

“The turning effect of a force is called torque or moment of the force”.
Mathematically:
The moment of the force or torque is determined by the product of force F and its moment
arm L.
τ=FxL

Quantity and Unit of Torque:

Torque is a vector quantity. SI unit of torque is newton-meter (Nm).

Examples:
Forces that produce turning effect are verycommon. Turning pencil in a sharpener,
turning stopcock of a water tap, turning doorknob and so on are some of the examples where
a force produces turning effect.

Line of Action of Force:

“The line along which a force acts is called the line of action of the force”.
In figure line BC is the line of action of force F.

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”.
In figure it is represented by the distance L.

Factors Upon Which Torque Depends:

The torque or moment of a force depends upon
i. Force F
ii. The moment arm L

Explanation:
Greater is a force greater is the moment of the force.
Similarly, longer is the moment arm greater is the moment of the force.

Example:
A mechanic uses a spanner to loosen or tighten a nut or a bolt. A
spanner having long arm helps him to do it with greater ease than the
onehaving short arm. It is because the turning effect of the force is
different in the two cases. The moment produced by a force using
a spanner of longer arm is greater than the torque produced by the
same force but using a spanner of shorter arm.

Types of Moments:
There are two typesmoments.

Clockwise Moment:
A force that turns a spanner in the clockwise direction is generally
used to tighten a nut. The torque or moment of the force so produced is
called clockwise moment.

Anti-Clockwise Moment:
The force is applied to loosen a nut such that it turns the nut in the
anticlockwise direction. The torque or moment of the force soproduced is
called anticlockwise moment.

Principle of Moments:
 “ A bod y i s bala nce d i f the s um of c lockw ise moments acting on the body is
equal to the sum of anticlockwise moments acting on it”.

Q-8: Define and explain center of mass.

CENTER OF MASS:
“Centre of 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.

Example:
Consider a system of two particles A and B connected by a light rigid
rod.

Case-I:
Let O a point anywhere between A and B such that the force F is
applied at point O as shown in figure (a).
If the system moves in the direction of force F without rotation,
then point O is the center of mass of the system.

Case-II:
Let the force be applied near the lighter particle as shown in figure (b).

In this case,the system moves as well as rotate.

Case-III:
Let the force be applied near the heavier particle as shown in figure (c).
In this case, also the system moves as well as rotates.

Q-9: Define and explain center of gravity? How center of gravity of regular and irregular
shaped objects can be found?

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”.

Explanation:
A body is made up of a large number of particles. Earth attracts
each of these particles vertically downward towards its center. The
pull of the Earth acting on a particle is equal to its weight. These
forces acting on the particles of a body are almost parallel. The
resultant of all these parallel forces is a single force equal to the weight
of the body. A point where this resultant force acts vertically
towards the center of the Earth is called the center of gravity G of the
body.

Use of Center of Gravity:

 It is useful to know the location of the center of gravity of a body in problems dealing with
equilibrium.

Centre of Gravity of some Symmetrical or Regular Shaped Objects:

The center of gravity of objects which have symmetrical shapes can be found from their
geometry.
For Example:
Some examples for regular shaped objects are as follows.
1. 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.

2. Uniform Square or Rectangle:

The center of a gravity of a uniform square or a rectangular sheet is the point of intersection of
its diagonals.

3. Uniform Circular Disc or Solid Sphere or Circular Ring:

The center of gravity of a uniform circular disc is its center. Similarly, the center of gravity of a
solid sphere or hollow sphere is the center of the spheres and the center of gravity of a uniform
circular ring is the center of the ring.

4. Uniform Triangular Sheet:

The center of gravity of a uniform triangular sheet is the point of intersection of its medians.

5. Uniform Solid or Hollow Cylinder:

The center of gravity of a uniform solid or hollow cylinder is the middle point on its axis.

Centre of Gravity of an Irregular Shaped Thin Lamina:

 A simple method to find the center of gravity of a body is by the use of a plumbline.

Plumb Line:
“A plumbline consists of a small metal bob of lead or brass supported by a string”.

Explanation:
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:
i. Take an irregular piece of cardboard.
ii. Make holes A, B and C near its edge.
iii. Fix a nail on a wall.

iv. Support the cardboard on the nail through one of the holes (let it be A), so thatthe cardboard
can swing freely about A. The cardboard will come to rest with its center of gravity just vertically
below the nail.
v. Vertical line from A can be located using a plumbline hung from the nail. Mark the line onthe
cardboard behind the plumbline.
vi. Repeat it by supporting the cardboard from hole B. The line from B will intersect at a point G.
vii. Similarly, draw another linefrom the hole C. Note that this line also passes through G.

Conclusion:
It will found that all the vertical lines from holesA, B and C have a common point G. This
commonpoint G is the center of gravity of the cardboard.

Q-10: What is meant by couple? Give examples.Also define torque of a couple? Explain.

COUPLE:
“A couple is formed by two unlike parallel forces of the same magnitude but not along
the same line”.

Examples:
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.
A double arm spanner is used to open a nut. Equal forces each of
magnitude F are applied on 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.

Torque Produced by Couple:

The torque of a couple is defined as:
“The product of one of the two forces and the perpendicular distance between them is
called torque of the couple”.

Explanation:
Total torque of the couple = Fx OA + Fx OB
= F(OA + OB)
Torque of the couple = F x AB …………… (1)
 Equation (1) gives the torque produced by a couple of forces F and F separated by distance
AB.

Q-11: What is equilibrium? What are the conditions of equilibrium?Explain.

EQUILIBRIUM:
“A body is said to be in equilibrium if no net force acts on it”.

Explanation:
Newton's first law of motion tells us that:
“A body continues its state of rest or of uniform motion in a straight line if no resultant
or net force acts on it”.

For Example:
A book lying on a table is at rest. The weight of the book acting
downward is balanced by the upward reaction of the table.

Consider a log of wood of weight Wsupported by ropes. Here the weight Wis balanced by
the forces F 1 and F 2 pulling the log upward.
In case of objects moving with uniform velocity, the resultant force acting on them is
zero. A car moving with uniform velocity on a leveled road and an aeroplane flying in the air with
uniform velocity are the examples of bodies in equilibrium.

Conclusion:
Thus a body in equilibrium remains at rest ormoves with uniform velocity.

Conditions for Equilibrium:

For a body in equilibrium, it must satisfy certain conditions. There are two conditions for a
body to be in equilibrium.

First Condition for Equilibrium:

A body is said to satisfy first condition for equilibrium if the resultant of all the forces
acting on it is zero.

Explanation:
Let n number of forces F 1, F2, F 3 , ……………F n, are acting on a body such that
F 1 + F 2 + F 3 + ……………….. +Fn = 0
Or ∑F = 0 …………………….. (1)
Equation (1) is called the first condition for equilibrium.
The symbol ∑ is a Greek letter called sigma used for summation.

First Condition of Equilibrium for x and y Components of Force:

The first condition for equilibrium can also be stated in terms of x and y-components of the
forces acting on the body as:
F 1x + F 2x + F 3x + ……………….. + Fnx= 0
F 1y + F 2y + F 3y + ……………….. + Fny= 0
Or ∑Fx = 0 …………………….. (2)
∑Fy = 0 …………………….. (3)

Second Condition for Equilibrium:

According to this condition:
“A body satisfies second condition for equilibrium when the resultant torque acting
on it is zero”.
Mathematically:
∑τ = 0 …………………….. (4)

Explanation:
First condition for equilibrium does not ensure that a body is in equilibrium. This is clear
from the following example.

Example:
Consider a body pulled by the forces F1 and F2figure (a). The
two forces are equal but opposite to each other. Both are acting along
the same line, hence their resultant will be zero. According to the first
condition, the body will be inequilibrium.
Now shift the location of the forces figure (b). In this situation, the
body is not in equilibrium although the first condition for equilibrium is
still satisfied. It is becau se the body has the tendency to rotate.

This situation demands another condition for equilibrium in addition tothe first condition for
equilibrium. This is called second condition for equilibrium.

Q-12: Define states of equilibrium. Also explain with examples?

STATES OF EQUILIBRIUM:
There are three states of equilibrium:
1. Stable equilibrium
2. Unstable equilibrium
3. Neutral equilibrium
A body may be in one of these three states of equilibrium.

1. Stable Equilibrium:
“A body is said to be in stable equilibrium if after a slight tilt it returns to its previous
position”.
Relation of Center of Gravity with 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 as shown in figure. When the block is tilted, its center of gravity G rises.
Ifthe 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. It topples over its base
and moves to new stable equilibrium position.

Examples:
 Consider a book lying on the table. Tilt the book slightly
about its one edge by lifting it from the opposite side. It returns
toits previousposition when sets free. Such a state of the body
is called stable equilibrium.
A vehicle is made heavy at its base 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.

2. Unstable Equilibrium:
“If a body does not return to its previous position when sets free after a slightest tilt is said
to be in unstable equilibrium”.
Relation of Center of Gravity with 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), its center of gravity moves towards its lower
position and does not return to its previous position.

Example:
Take a pencil and try to keep it in the vertical position on its tip. Whenever
you leave it the pencil topples over about its tip and falls down. This is called the
unstable equilibrium. In unstable equilibrium, a body may be made to stay onlyfor
a moment. Thus a body is unable to keep itself in the state of unstable
equilibrium.

3. Neutral Equilibrium:
“If a body remains in its new position when disturbed from its previous position, it is
said to be in a state of neutral equilibrium”.
Relation of Center of Gravity with Neutral Equilibrium:
In neutral equilibrium, the center of gravity of the body remains at the same height,
irrespective to its new position.

Examples:
Take a ball and place it on a horizontal surface. Roll the ball over the
surface and leave it after displacing from its previous position. It remains in
its new position and does not return to its previous position. This is called
neutral equilibrium.
There are various objects which have neutral equilibrium such as a ball, a sphere, a roller, a
pencil laying horizontally, an egg lying horizontally on a flat surface etc.

Remember that:
In neutral equilibrium, all the new states in which a body is moved are the stable states and
the body, remains in its new state.

Q-13: How stability relates with the center of mass? Explain with examples.

STABILITY AND POSITION OF CENTRE 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.

For Example:
i. Racing cars are made heavy at the bottom and their height is kept to be minimum to make it
stable.
 ii. Circus artists such as tight rope walkers use long poles to lower their center of mass. In
this way they are prevented from topple over.
iii. Figure (a) 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.
iv. Figure (b) shows perched parrot which is made heavy at its tail.
v. Figure (c) 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 the lowest.

Fig (a) Fig (b) Fig (c)

Conclusion:
These are few examples in which lowering of center of mass make the objects stable. These
objects return to their stable states when disturbed. In each case center of mass is vertically below
their point of support. This makes their equilibrium stable.

QUICK QUIZ
QUICK QUIZ 4.1:
Name some objects that work by the turning effects of forces.
Ans: When we open or close a door we are applying rotational force to the door.Similarly rotational
motion is produced in a stationary bicycle by applying force at the rim of its wheel. A spanner is used
to open or tighten the nut. Spanner produces rotational effect by applying force.

QUICK QUIZ 4.2:

1. Can a small child play with a fat child on the seesaw? Explain how?
Ans: Yes, when a fat child is sitting closer to central point i.e. less moment
arm while small child is sitting at the end of see saw i.e. larger moment arm,
then the two children can play because their torques will be same and system
of see saw will be balanced.

2. Two children are sitting on the see saw, such that they cannot swing. What is the net
torque in this situation?
Ans: When two children are sitting on the see saw, such that they cannot
swingthen the resultant torque on the system will be zero i.e.
Sum of clock wise torque = Sum of anti-clock wise torque

QUICK QUIZ 4.3:

1. A ladder leaning at a wall is in equilibrium. How?
Ans: A ladder leaning at a wall is in equilibrium because the weight of the
ladder produces an anticlockwise torque. The wall pushes the ladder at its top
end thus produces a clockwise torque.As second condition of equilibrium is
satisfied so ladder is in equilibrium.

2. The weight of the ladder produces an anticlockwise torque. The

 wall pushes the ladder at its top end thus produces a clockwise torque. Does the
ladder satisfy second condition for equilibrium?
Ans: A ladder leaning at a wall is in equilibrium because the weight of the ladder produces
ananticlockwise torque. The wall pushes the ladder at its top end thus produces a clockwise
torque. Yes, second condition of equilibrium is satisfied so ladder is in equilibrium.

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

Ans: No, speed of ceiling fan does not go on increasing because it increase
for the first few seconds but then becomes uniform unless it is switched off.

4. Does the fan satisfy second condition for equilibrium when

rotating with uniform speed?
Ans: A ceiling fan rotating at constant speed is in equilibrium as net torque
acting on it is zero i.e. it satisfies second condition for equilibrium.

DO YOU KNOW

1. How many forces can be added by head to tail rule?

Ans: It should be noted that head to tail rule can be used to add any number of forces. The vector
representing resultant force gives the magnitude and direction of the resultant force.

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2. How couple is formed when cyclist pushes the pedals of a bicycle?
Ans: A cyclist pushes the pedals of a bicycle. This forms a couple that acts
on the pedals. The pedals cause the toothed wheel to turn making the rear
wheel of the bicycle to rotate.

3. Why the vehicles are made heavy at the bottom?

Ans: Vehicles are made heavy at the bottom. This lowers their center of gravity and helps to
increase their stability.

MULTIPLE CHOICE EXERCISE

Q-4.1: Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Two equal but unlike parallel forces having different line of action produce ……………...
a) a torque b) a couple
c) equilibrium d) neutral equilibrium

2. The number of forces that can be added by head to tail rule are …………………
a) 2 b) 3
c) 4 d) any number

3. The number of perpendicular components of a force are:

a) 1 b) 2
c) 3 d) 4

4. A force of 10 N is making an angle of 30o with the horizontal. Its horizontal

component will be …………………………….
a) 4 N b) 5N
c) 7 N d) 8.7 N

5. A couple is formed by ……………………

a) two forces perpendicular to each other
b) two like parallel forces
 c) two equal and opposite forces in the same line
d) two equal and opposite forces not in the same line

6. A body is in equilibrium when its …………………………

a) acceleration is uniform b) speed is uniform
c)speed and acceleration are uniform d) acceleration is zero

7. A body is in neutral equilibrium when its center of gravity ………………………

a) is at its highest position b) is at the lowest position
c)keeps its height if displaced d) is situated at its bottom

8. Racing cars are made stable by ……………….

a) increasing their speed b) decreasing their mass
c) lowering their centerof gravity d) decreasing their width

CHAPTER-4 9thPHYSICS MCQS ANSWERS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
b d b d d d c c

REMAINING EXERCISE

Q-4.2: Define the following:

(i) resultant vector (ii) torque

(iii) center of mass (iv) center of gravity
Ans: See Notes pages.
Q-4.3: What is the difference between:
i. like and unlike parallel forces
ii. torque and couple
iii. stable and neutral equilibrium
Ans: i. Like and Unlike Parallel Forces:

Sr. No. Like Parallel Forces Unlike Parallel Forces

Like parallel forces are the Unlike parallel forces are the
forces that are parallel to each forces that are parallel to each
1.
other but have the same other but have directions opposite to
direction. each other.
Net force of two parallel forces is Net force of two parallel forces is
2. determined by adding their determined by subtracting their
magnitudes. magnitudes.
F1 and F2 are like parallel forces. F1 and F2 are unlike parallel forces.
F2
3.
F1 F2 F1
ii. Torque and Couple:
Sr. No. Torque Couple
The turning effect of a force is A couple is formed by two unlike
calledtorque. parallel forces of the same
1.
magnitude but not along the
same line.
 To produce a torque we need To produce a couple we need
2.
only one force atleast. two unlike parallel forces atleast.
Torque by a force is given by the The torque of a couple is given
product of force and its moment by the product of one of the two
3. arm i.e. forces and the perpendicular
τ=FxL distance between them.
Torque of the couple = F x AB

iii. Stable and Neutral equilibrium:

Sr. No. Stable Equilibrium Neutral Equilibrium
A body is said to be in stable If a body remains in its new
equilibrium if after a slight tilt it position when disturbed from its
1.
returns to its previous position. previous position, it is said to be in
a state of neutral equilibrium
When a body is in stable In neutral equilibrium, the center
equilibrium, its center of gravity of gravity of the body remains at
is at the lowest position. When it the same height, irrespective
2.
is tilted, its center of gravity to its new position.
rises. It returns to its stable state
by lowering its center of gravity.
A book placed on the table is an The rolling ball is an example of
3.
example of stable equilibrium. neutral equilibrium.

Q-4.4: How head to tail rule helps to find the resultant of forces?
Ans: See notes Q-2
Q-4.5: How can a force beresolved into its rectangular components?
Ans: See notes Q-4

Q-4.6: When a body is said to be in equilibrium?

Ans: See notes Q-11

Q-4.7: Explain the first condition for equilibrium.

Ans: See notes Q-11

Q-4.8: Why there is a need of second condition for equilibrium if a body satisfies first
condition for equilibrium?
Ans: See notes Q-11

Q-4.9: What is second condition for equilibrium?

Ans: See notes Q-11

Q-4.10: Give an example of a moving body which is in equilibrium.

Ans: See notes Q-11
Q-4.11: Think of a body which is at rest but not in equilibrium.
Ans: A ceiling fan attached with ceiling is at rest but when it is switched on, its blades start to rotate
and its angular velocity goes on increasing until it becomes maximum. During this time fan is not in
equilibrium because second condition of equilibrium is not satisfied.

Q-4.12: W h y a b od y c a nn o t be i n e quil ibri um due to si ngle force acting on it?

Ans: A body cannot be in equilibrium due to single force because net force cannot be zero due to
single force. To get net force equal to zero, atleast two forces must be equal in magnitude but
opposite in direction.

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

Ans: Stability of objects is related with the position of center of gravity. A body with lower center of
gravity is more stable.That is why the height of vehicles is kept as low as possible to make it stable
during motion.
Q-4.14: E x pl a i n w ha t i s me a nt b y stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium. Give one
example in each case.
Ans: See notes Q-12
FORMULAE USE IN NUMERICALS

Perpandicular
1. sinθ =
Hypotenuse
Base
2. cosθ =
Hypotenuse
Perpandicular
3. tanθ =
Base
4. Fx = Fcosθ
5. Fy = Fsinθ
6. F = Fx2 + Fy2
Fy
7. θ = tan–1( )
Fx

8. τ =FxL
9. Torque of couple = F x AB
10. ∑F =0
11. ∑τ =0

MINI EXERCISE

1. In a right angled triangle length of base is 4 cm and its perpendicular is 3 cm. Find:
i. length of hypotenuse ii. sin𝛉 iii. cos𝛉 iv. tan𝛉
Sol: i. Length of base = 4 cm
Length of perpendicular = 3 cm
Length of hypotenuse =?
By Pythagoras theorem
(Hypotenuse)2 = (Base)2 + (Perpendicular)2
= (4)2 + (3)2
= 16 + 9
2
(Hypotenuse) = 25
Taking square root on both sides, we get
 Hypotenuse
2
= 25
Hypotenuse = 5 cm
Now By trigonometry:
Perpandicular
ii. sinθ =
Hypotenuse
3
=
5
Base
iii. cosθ =
Hypotenuse
4
=
5
Perpandicular
iv. tanθ =
Base
3
=
4

2. A force of 150 N can loosen a nut when applied at the end of a spanner 10 cm long.
i. What should be the length of the spanner to loosen the same nut with a 60 N force?
ii. How much force would be sufficient to loosen it with a 6 cm long spanner?
Sol: Force = F = 150 N
10
Moment arm = L = 10 cm = = 0.1 m
100
Torque =τ= ?
τ =FxL
= 150 x 0.1 = 15 Nm
Now
i. Force = F = 60 N
Torque = τ = 15 Nm
Moment arm = L = ?
τ =FxL
15 = 60 x L

15
=
60
= 0.25 m
= 0.25 x 100 cm
Length of Spanner = L = 25 cm

ii. Torque = τ = 15 Nm
6
Moment arm = L = 6 cm = = 0.06 m
100
Force =F= ?
τ =FxL
15 = F x 0.06
15
=
0.06
Force = F = 250 N

EXAMPLES
Example 4.1: Find the resultant of three forces 12 N along x-axis, 8 N making an angle of
45° with x-axis and 8 N along y-axis.
Sol: Scale:
Let 2 N = 1 cm
Then
uuur
12 N along x-axis = F1 = AB = 6 cm
uuur
8 N making angle = F2 = BC = 4 cm
of 45° with x-axis
uuur
8 N along y-axis = F3 = CD = 4 cm
uuur
Resultant force = F = AD = 11.2 cm
According to scale:
Resultant force = F = 11.2 x 2 = 22.4 N
Direction =θ = 37o with x-axis

Example 4.2: A man is pulling a trolley on a horizontal road with a force of 200 N making
30 o with the road. Find the horizontal and vertical components of its force.
Sol: Force =F = 200 N
Angle =θ = 30°
Horizontal component =F x =?
Vertical component = Fy = ?
Now
Fx = Fcosθ
= 200 x cos30°
= 200 x 0.866
Fx = 173.2 N
Similarly
Fy = Fsinθ
= 200 x sin30°
= 200 x 0.5
Fy = 100 N

Example 4.3: A mechanic tightens the nut of a bicycle using a 15 cm long spanner by exerting a
force of 200 N. Find the torque that has tightened it.

Sol: Force = F = 200 N

15
Moment arm = L = 15 cm = = 0.15 m
100
Torque =τ= ?
τ =FxL
= 200 x 0.15
= 30 Nm

Example 4.4: A meter rod is supported at its middle point Oas shown in figure. The block of
weight 10 N is suspended at point B, 40 cm from O. Find the weight of the block that balances
it at point A, 25 cm from O.
Sol: Weight at point A = w1 = ?
Weight at point B = w2 = 10 N
25
Moment arm of w1 = OA =25 cm = = 0.25 m
100
40
Moment arm of w2 = OB =40cm = = 0.4 m
100
Applying principle of moments:
Anticlock wise moment of w1 = Clockwise moments of w2
w1 x OA = w2 x OB
w1 x 0.25 = 10 x 0.4
10 x 0.4
w1 =
0.25
w1 = 16 N

Example 4.5: A block of weight 10 N is hanging through a cord as shown in figure. Find
the tension in the cord.
Sol: Weight of the block=w= 10 N
Tension in the cord= T= ?
Applying first condition for equilibrium
∑F =0
T–w =0
T =W
T = 10 N

Example 4.6: A uniform rod of length 1.5 m is placed over a wedge at 0.5 m from its one end. A
force of 100 N is applied at one of its ends near the wedge to keep it horizontal. Find the
weight of the rod and the reaction of the wedge.

Sol: Force =F = 100 N

Length of rod = AB = 1.5 m

OA = 0.5 m
AG = BG =0.75 m
OG = AG – AO
= 0.75 – 0.5 = 0.25 m
Weight =w =?
Reaction =R =?
Firstly:
Applying second condition for equilibrium:
Taking torques at point O.
∑τ =0
F x OA –w x OG = 0
F x OA = W x OG
100 x 0.5 = W x 0.25
100 x 0.5
w =
0.25
 w = 200 N
Secondly:
Applying first condition for equilibrium:
∑F =0
R–F–w =0
R= F + w
R = 100 + 200
R = 300 N
PROBLEMS
Problem 4.1: F i n d t h e r e s u l t a n t o f t h e following forces:
i. 10 N along x-axis
ii. 6 N along y-axis
iii. 4 N along negative x-axis.Sol: Scale:
Let 2 N = 1 cm
Then
uuur
10 N along x-axis = F1 = AB = 5 cm
uuur
6 N along y-axis = F2 = BC = 3 cm
uuur
4 N along negative x-axis = F3 = CD = 2 cm
uuur
Resultant = AD = 4.25 cm
According to scale:
Resultant force = F = 4.25 x 2 = 8.5 N
Direction = θ = 45o with x-axis
Problem 4.2: F i n d t h e p e r p e n d i c u l a r components of a force of 50 N making an angle
of 30° with x-axis.
Sol: Force =F = 50 N
Angle =θ = 30°
x-component = F x =?
y-component = Fy = ?
Now
Fx = Fcosθ
= 50 x cos30°
= 50 x 0.866
Fx = 43.3 N

Similarly
Fy = Fsinθ
= 50 x sin30°
= 50 x 0.5
Fy = 25 N

Problem 4.3: Find the magnitude and direction of a force, if its x-component is 12 N and y-
component is 5N.
Sol: x-component = F x = 12 N
y-component = Fy = 5 N
Force =F =?
Direction of force = θ =?
Firstly:
 F = Fx2 + Fy2

= (12)2 + (5)2
= 144 + 25
= 169
F = 13 N
Secondly:
Fy
θ = tan–1( )
Fx
5
= tan–1( )
12
= tan–1(0.4167)
θ = 22.6o with x-axis

Problem 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.
Sol: Force = F = 100 N
10
Moment arm = L = 10 cm = = 0.1 m
100
Torque =τ= ?
τ =FxL
= 100 x 0.1
= 10 Nm

Problem 4.5: A force is acting on a body making an angle of 30° with the horizontal. The
horizontal component of the force is 20 N.Find the force.
Sol: Angle =θ = 30°
Horizontal component = F x = 20 N
Force =F =?
Now
Fx = Fcosθ
20 = Fcos30°
= F x 0.866
20
F =
0.866
F = 23.1 N

Problem 4.6: The steering of a car has a radius 16 cm. F ind the torque produced
by a couple of 50 N.
Sol: Force =F = 50 N
16
Radius =r = 16 cm = = 0.16 m
100
Couple arm = AB = 0.16 + 0.16 = 0.32 m
Torque of couple = τ = ?
Now
Torque of couple = Force x Couple arm
= F x AB
= 50 x 0.32
 τ = 16 Nm

Problem 4.7: A picture frame is hanging by t w o v e r t i c a l s t r i n g s . T h e tensions in the

strings are 3.8 N and 4.4 N. Find the weight of the picture frame.
Sol: Tension in 1st string = T1 = 3.8 N
nd
Tension in 2 string = T2 = 4.4 N
Weight = w =?
Applying first condition for equilibrium:
∑F =0
T1 + T2– w = 0
w = T1 + T2
w = 3.8 + 4.4
w = 8.2 N

Problem 4.8: Two blocks of masses 5 kg and 3 kg are suspended by the two strings as shown in
figure. Find the tension in each string.
Sol: Mass of 1st body = m1 = 5kg
nd
Mass of 2 body = m2 = 3 kg
Tension is 1st string = T1 = ?
Tension is 2nd string = T2 = ?
Firstly:
Weight of 1st body = w1 = m1g
= 5 x 10
= 50 N
nd
Weight of 2 body = w2 = m2g
= 3 x 10
= 30 N
Secondly:
Since tension produced is first string is due to both the bodies
Applying first condition for equilibrium:
∑F =0
T1– W 1 – w2 = 0
T1 = w1 +w2
= 50 + 30
T1 = 80 N
Thirdly:
Since tension produced is second string is due to second body only.
Applying first condition for equilibrium:
∑F =0
T2 –w2 = 0

T1 = w2
= 30 N

Problem 4.9: A nut has been ti ghte ne d b y a force of 200 N using 10 cm longs panner.
W ha t l ength of a spanner is required to loosen the same nut with 150 N force?
Sol: Force = F = 200 N
10
Moment arm = L = 10 cm = = 0.1 m
100
Torque =τ= ?
τ =FxL
 = 200 x 0.1
= 20 Nm
Now
Force = F = 150 N
Torque = τ = 20 Nm
Moment arm =L= ?
τ =FxL
20 = 150 x L
20
=
150
= 0.133 m
= 0.133 x 100 cm
= 13.3 cm

Problem 4.10: A bl o c k of ma s s 1 0 k g i s 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 a p p l y i n g t h e f o r c e a t t h e other end of the bar?
Sol:

Mass of block = m = 10 kg
Weight of block = w = mg = 10 x 10= 100 N
Length of bar = AB = 1 m
20
Moment arm of W = OA = 20 cm = = 0.2 m
100
50
Moment arm of F = OB = 50 cm = = 0.5 m
100
Force on other end = F =?
Applying second condition for equilibrium:
Taking torques at point O.
∑τ =0
F x OB – w x OA = 0
F x OB = w x OA
F x 0.5 = 100 x 0.2
100 x 0.2
w =
0.5
w = 40 N