ENGINEERING

MECHANICS
ME 2401

STATICS OF
PARTICLES
 CONTENT

Introduction Sample Problem 2.3

Resultant of Two Forces Equilibrium of a Particle
Vectors Free-Body Diagrams
Addition of Vectors Sample Problem 2.4
Resultant of Several Concurrent Fo Problem 2.5
rces
Rectangular Components in
Sample Problem 2.1 Space
Sample Problem 2.2 Problem 2.6
Rectangular Components of a F Sample Problem 2.7
orce: Unit Vectors
Problem 2.8
Addition of Forces by Summing
Components Sample Problem 2.9
Problem 2.10
Problem 2.11
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 Introduction

• The objective for the current chapter is to investigate the effects

of forces on particles:
- replacing multiple forces acting on a particle
with a single equivalent or resultant force,
- relations between forces acting on a
particle that is in a state of equilibrium.

• The focus on particles does not imply a restriction to miniscule

bodies. Rather, the study is restricted to analyses in which the size
and shape of the bodies is not significant so that all forces may be
assumed to be applied at a single point.

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 Resultant of Two Forces

• Force: action of one body on another;

characterized by its point of application,
magnitude, line of action, and sense.

• Experimental evidence shows that the

combined effect of two forces may be
represented by a single resultant force.

• The resultant is equivalent to the diagonal of a

parallelogram which contains the two forces in
adjacent legs.

• Force is a vector quantity.

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 Vector
• Vector: parameters possessing magnitude and direction
which add according to the parallelogram law.
Examples: displacements, velocities, accelerations.

• Scalar: parameters possessing magnitude but not

direction. Examples: mass, volume, temperature
• Vector classifications:
- Fixed or bound vectors have well defined points of application that
cannot be changed without affecting an analysis.
- Free vectors may be freely moved in space without changing their
effect on an analysis.
- Sliding vectors may be applied anywhere along their line of action
without affecting an analysis.
• Equal vectors have the same magnitude and direction.
• Negative vector of a given vector has the same magnitude
and the opposite direction.

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 Addition of Vectors

• Trapezoid rule for vector addition

• Triangle rule for vector addition

• Law of cosines,
C
B

• Law of sines,

• Vector addition is commutative,

• Vector subtraction

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 Addition of Vectors

• Addition of three or more vectors through

repeated application of the triangle rule

• The polygon rule for the addition of three or

more vectors.
• Vector addition is associative,

• Multiplication of a vector by a scalar

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 Resultant of Several Concurrent Forces

• Concurrent forces: set of forces which all

pass through the same point.

A set of concurrent forces applied to a

particle may be replaced by a single
resultant force which is the vector sum of
the applied forces.

• Vector force components: two or more force

vectors which, together, have the same effect
as a single force vector.

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 Sample Problem 2.1

SOLUTION:
• Graphical solution - construct a
parallelogram with sides in the same
direction as P and Q and lengths in
proportion. Graphically evaluate the
resultant which is equivalent in direction
and proportional in magnitude to the the
diagonal.
The two forces act on a bolt at A.
Determine their resultant. • Trigonometric solution - use the triangle
rule for vector addition in conjunction
with the law of cosines and law of sines
to find the resultant.

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 Sample Problem 2.1

• Graphical solution - A parallelogram with

sides equal to P and Q is drawn to scale. The
magnitude and direction of the resultant or of
the diagonal to the parallelogram are measured,

• Graphical solution - A triangle is drawn with

P and Q head-to-tail and to scale. The
magnitude and direction of the resultant or of
the third side of the triangle are measured,

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 Sample Problem 2.1

• Trigonometric solution - Apply the triangle rule.

From the Law of Cosines,

From the Law of Sines,

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 Sample Problem 2.2
SOLUTION:
• Find a graphical solution by applying the
Parallelogram Rule for vector addition. The
parallelogram has sides in the directions of
the two ropes and a diagonal in the direction
of the barge axis and length proportional to
5000 N.
A barge is pulled by two tugboats. If
the resultant of the forces exerted by • Find a trigonometric solution by applying
the tugboats is 5000 N directed along the Triangle Rule for vector addition. With
the axis of the barge, determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant
known and the directions of the other two
sides parallel to the ropes given, apply the
a) the tension in each of the ropes for
Law of Sines to find the rope tensions.
a = 45o,
• The angle for minimum tension in rope 2 is
b) the value of a for which the
tension in rope 2 is a minimum. determined by applying the Triangle Rule
and observing the effect of variations in a.

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 Sample Problem 2.2

• Graphical solution - Parallelogram Rule

with known resultant direction and
magnitude, known directions for sides.

• Trigonometric solution - Triangle Rule

with Law of Sines

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 Sample Problem 2.2

• The angle for minimum tension in rope 2 is

determined by applying the Triangle Rule
and observing the effect of variations in a.

• The minimum tension in rope 2 occurs when

T1 and T2 are perpendicular.

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 Rectangular Components of a Force: Unit
Vectors
• May resolve a force vector into perpendicular
components so that the resulting parallelogram is a
rectangle. are referred to as rectangular
vector components and

• Define perpendicular unit vectors which are

parallel to the x and y axes.

• Vector components may be expressed as products of

the unit vectors with the scalar magnitudes of the
vector components.

Fx and Fy are referred to as the scalar components of

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Addition of Forces by Summing Components

• Wish to find the resultant of 3 or more

concurrent forces,

• Resolve each force into rectangular components

• The scalar components of the resultant are

equal to the sum of the corresponding scalar
components of the given forces.

• To find the resultant magnitude and direction,

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 Sample Problem 2.3
Four forces act on bolt A as shown. Determine the resultant of the force on the bolt.

SOLUTION:
• Resolve each force into rectangular
components.

• Determine the components of the

resultant by adding the corresponding
force components.
• Calculate the magnitude and direction
of the resultant.

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 Sample Problem 2.3
SOLUTION:
• Resolve each force into rectangular
components.

• Determine the components of the resultant by

adding the corresponding force components.
• Calculate the magnitude and direction.

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 Equilibrium of a Particle
• When the resultant of all forces acting on a particle is zero, the particle is
in equilibrium.
• Newton’s First Law: If the resultant force on a particle is zero, the particle will
remain at rest or will continue at constant speed in a straight line.

• Particle acted upon by • Particle acted upon by three or more forces:

two forces: - graphical solution yields a closed polygon
- equal magnitude - algebraic solution
- same line of action
- opposite sense

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 Free-Body Diagrams

Space Diagram: A sketch Free-Body Diagram: A sketch showing

showing the physical conditions only the forces on the selected particle.
of the problem.

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 Sample Problem 2.4
In a ship-unloading operation, a 3500-N automobile is supported by a cable. A rope is
tied to the cable and pulled to center the automobile over its intended position. What is
the tension in the rope?

SOLUTION:
• Construct a free-body diagram for the
particle at the junction of the rope and
cable.
• Apply the conditions for equilibrium
by creating a closed polygon from the
forces applied to the particle.
• Apply trigonometric relations to
determine the unknown force
magnitudes.

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 Sample Problem 2.4

SOLUTION:
• Construct a free-body diagram for the
particle at A.

• Apply the conditions for equilibrium.

• Solve for the unknown force magnitudes.

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 Problem 2.5
The direction of the 75-lb forces may vary, but the angle between the forces is always
50o. Determine the value of a for which the resultant of the forces acting at A is
directed horizontally to the left.

580 lb
A
30o
a
75 lb
50o

75 lb

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 Problem 2.5
1. Determine the resultant R of two or more forces.
2. Draw a parallelogram with the applied forces as two adjacent sides and the
resultant as the included diagonal.
3. Set the resultant, or sum of the forces, directed horizontally.

580 lb
A
o
30
a
75 lb
50o

75 lb

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 Problem 2.5 Solution

580 lb Determine the resultant R of two or more

A forces.
o
30
a
75 lb We first Replace the two 75-lb forces by
50o their resultant R1, using the triangle rule.
75 lb

a
R1 = 2(75 lb) cos25o = 135.95 lb
25o

50o 25o R1
R1 = 135.95 lb a +25o

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 Problem 2.5 Solution
Draw a parallelogram with the applied forces as two adjacent sides and the resultant as
the included diagonal. Set the resultant, or sum of the forces, directed horizontally.

R2
Consider the resultant R2
30 o
a+25 o
of R1 and the 580-lb force
R1 = 135.95 lb and recall that R2 must be
580 lb horizontal and directed to
the left.

Law of sines:
sin(a+25o) sin(30o)
=
580 lb 135.95 lb
a + 25o = 61.97o
o
o (580 lb) sin(30 )
sin(a+25 ) = = 0.88270
135.95 lb a = 37.0o
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 Rectangular Components in Space

• With the angles between and the axes,

• is a unit vector along the line of action of

and are the direction cosines for

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 Rectangular Components in Space

Since the magnitude of is equal to unity,

We must have

++=1

• When the rectangular component , and

of a force F are given, the magnitude F of
the force
F=

• And the direction cosines of F are

= = and =

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 Rectangular Components in Space

Direction of the force is defined by the location of two points,

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 Problem 2.6
Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant of the two forces shown knowing that
P = 600 N and Q = 450 N.

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 Problem 2.6
Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant of the two forces shown knowing that
P = 600 N and Q = 450 N.

SOLUTION:
• Based on the relative locations of the
Force P and Q, determine the resultant
force R

• Apply the unit vector to determine the

components of the force P and Q.

• Noting that the components of the unit

vector are the direction cosines for the
vector, calculate the corresponding
angles.

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 Problem 2.6

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 Sample Problem 2.7
The tension in the guy wire is 2500 N. Determine:
a) components Fx, Fy, Fz of the force acting on the bolt at A,
b) the angles qx, qy, qz defining the direction of the force

SOLUTION:
• Based on the relative locations of the
points A and B, determine the unit
vector pointing from A towards B.

• Apply the unit vector to determine the

components of the force acting on A.

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 Sample Problem 2.9
A 200-kg cylinder is hung by means of two cables AB and AC, which are attached to
the top of a vertical wall. A horizontal force P perpendicular to the wall holds the
cylinder in the position shown. Determine the magnitude of P and the tension in each
cable.

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 Sample Problem 2.9

SOLUTION:

A 1.2, 2, 0
B 0, 12, 8
C 0, 12, -10

Free-Body Diagram. Point A is chosen as a free body; this point is subjected to

four forces, three of which are of unknown magnitude. Introducing the unit
vectors i, j, k, we resolve each force into rectangular components.
P =Pi
W = -mgj = - 2(200 kg)(9.81 m/)j = -(1962 N)j (1)

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 Sample Problem 2.9
A 1.2, 2, 0
B 0, 12, 8
C 0, 12, -10

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 Sample Problem 2.9

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 Problem 2.8
A container of weight W = 1165 N is supported by three cables as shown. Determine
the tension in each cable.

y
360 mm
C 450 mm
D
O
500 mm
B 320 mm

z A 600 mm x

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 y
Problem 2.8
360 mm
C 450 mm
D A container of weight
O W = 1165 N is supported
500 mm by three cables as shown.
B 320 mm Determine the tension in
z each cable.
A 600 mm x

1. Draw a free-body diagram of the particle. This diagram shows

the particle and all the forces acting on it.
2. Resolve each of the forces into rectangular components.
Follow the method outlined in the text.
F
F = F l = (dx i + dy j + dz k)
d
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 y Problem 2.8
360 mm
C 450 mm
D A container of weight
O W = 1165 N is supported
500 mm by three cables as shown.
B 320 mm Determine the tension in
each cable.
z A 600 mm x

3. Set the resultant, or sum, of the forces exerted on the particle

equal to zero. You will obtain a vectorial equation consisting
of terms containing the unit vectors i, j, and k. Three scalar
equations result, which can be solved for the unknowns.

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 Problem 2.8 Solution
y Draw a free-body diagram of the partic
360 mm
C 450 mm

D SF=0
O TAB + TAC + TAD + W = 0
500 mm TAC
B 320 mm
TAD TAB
z
A 600 mm x

W = _ (1165 N) j

AB = (450 mm)i + (600 mm)j AB = 750 mm

AC = (600 mm)j _ (320mm)k AC = 680 mm

AD = (_500 mm)i + (600 mm)j + (360 mm)k AD = 860 mm

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 y
Problem 2.8 Solution
360 mm
C 450 mm Resolve each of the forces
D into rectangular components.
O AB
500 mm TAC TAB = TAB lAB = TAB
AB
B 320 mm
TAD 600
z
A
TAB
600 mm x =( 450
750
i + )
750
j TAB

W = _ (1165 N) j = (0.6 i + 0.8 j) TAB

600
TAC = TAC lAC = TAC
AC
AC
= 680 j _
(
320
680
k TAC =
17) (
15 j _ 8 k
17
TAC )
TAD = TAD lAD = TAD
AD
AD
= 500
860
i+ (
600
860
j+
360
860
k TAD )
= (25
43
i+
30
43
j+
18
43
k TAD )
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 y Problem 2.8 Solution
360 mm
C 450 mm Set the resultant, or sum, of
D the forces exerted on the
O
particle equal to zero.
500 mm TAC
B 320 mm
Substitution into S F = 0,
TAD TAB
z factor i, j, k and set their
A 600 mm x
coefficients to zero:
W = _ (1165 N) j
0.6 TAB _ 25 TAD = 0 TAB = 0.9690 TAD (1)
43
0.8 TAB + 15 TAC + 30 TAD _ 1165 N = 0 (2)
17 43
_ 8
TAC + 18 TAD = 0 TAC = 0.8895 TAD (3)
17 43

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 Problem 2.8 Solution
y
360 mm
C 450 mm Substitution for TAB and
D O TAC from (1) and (3)
500 mm TAC into (2):
TAD B 320 mm

z TAB
A 600 mm x

W = _ (1165 N) j

( 0.8 x 0.9690 + 15 x 0.8895 + 30 )TAD _ 1165 N = 0

17 43
TAD = 516 N
2.2578 TAD _ 1165 N = 0
From (1): TAB = 0.9690 (516 N)
T = 500 N AB

From (3): TAC = 0.8895 (516 N)

TAC = 459 N
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 Problem 2.10

y
Cable AB is 65 ft long, and the
A tension in that cable is 3900 lb.
56 ft Determine
(a) the x, y, and z components of
the force exerted by the cable on
D the anchor B,
a (b) the angles qx, qy, and qz
O B defining the direction of that force.
20o
50o
z C x

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 y
Problem 2.10
A
56 ft Cable AB is 65 ft long, and
the tension in that cable is
3900 lb. Determine
D (a) The x, y, and z components of
a
the force exerted by the cable on the
O B anchor B,
o 20o (b) the angles qx, qy, and qz
50
z defining the direction of that force.
C x

1. Determine the rectangular components of a force defined by its

magnitude and direction. If the direction of the force F is defined by
the angles qy and f, projections of F through these angles or their
components will yield the components of F.

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 y Problem 2.10
A
56 ft Cable AB is 65 ft long, and
the tension in that cable is
3900 lb. Determine (a) the
D x, y, and z components of
a the force exerted by the
O B cable on the anchor B, (b)
20o the angles qx, qy, and qz defining
50o
z the direction of that force.
C x
2. Determine the direction cosines of the line of action of a force.
The direction cosines of the line of action of a force F are
determined by dividing the components of the force by F.
Fx Fy Fz
cos qx= F cos qy= cos qz= F
F
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 y
A Problem 2.10 Solution
Determine the direction cosines of
65 ft the line of action of a force.
qy From triangle AOB:
F Fy
56 ft cos qy = 56 ft = 0.86154
65 ft
Fx qy = 30.51o
O B (a) Fx = _ F sin qy cos 20o
20 o
Fz = _ (3900 lb) sin 30.51o cos 20o
z Fx = _1861 lb
x

Fy = + F cos qy = (3900 lb)(0.86154) Fy = + 3360 lb

Fz = + (3900 lb) sin 30.51o sin 20o Fz = + 677 lb

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 y
A Problem 2.10 Solution
Determine the direction cosines
65 ft of the line of action of a force.
qy
F Fy Fx _
1861 lb
56 ft (b) cos qx = =
F 3900 lb
cos qx = _ 0.4771
Fx
O B qx = 118.5o
20o Fz
From above (a): qy = 30.5o
x
Fz 677 lb
cos qz = = + = + 0.1736 qz = 80.0o
F 3900 lb
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 Problem 2.11
Collars A and B are connected by a 25-in.-long wire and can slide freely on frictionless
rods. If a 60-lb force Q is applied to collar B as shown, Determine (a) the tension in the
wire when x = 9 in., (b) the corresponding magnitude of the force P required to
maintain the equilibrium of the system.

y
x
P

O 20 in
Q
z
B x
z
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 y
x Problem 2.11
P
Collars A and B are connected
A by a 25-in.-long wire and can
slide freely on frictionless rods.
O 20 in If a 60-lb force Q is applied to
collar B as shown, Determine
Q
z (a) the tension in the wire when
B x x = 9 in., (b) the corresponding
z magnitude of the force P required
to maintain the equilibrium of
the system.

1. Draw a free-body diagram of the particle. This diagram shows

the particle and all the forces acting on it.

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 y
x Problem 2.11
P Collars A and B are connected
by a 25-in.-long wire and can
A slide freely on frictionless rods.
If a 60-lb force Q is applied to
O 20 in collar B as shown, Determine
Q (a) the tension in the wire when
z x = 9 in., (b) the corresponding
B x
z magnitude of the force P required
to maintain the equilibrium of
the system.
2. Set the resultant, or sum, of the forces exerted on the particle equal

to zero. You will obtain a vectorial equation consisting of terms

containing the unit vectors i, j, and k. Three scalar equations result,
which can be solved for the unknowns.
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 y
x Problem 2.11 Solution
P AB
_
x i _
(20 in) j + z k
lAB = =
AB 25 in
A

O 20 in Draw a free-body diagram of the particle.

Q
z
B x
z Free Body: Collar A
Ny j
S F = 0: P i + Ny j + Nz k + TAB lAB = 0
A Substitute for lAB and set coefficients of i
Nz k P i equal to zero:
TAB x
P _
= 0 (1)
TAB lAB 25
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 Problem 2.11 Solution
Ny j _
TAB lAB Free Body: Collar B
F = 0: (60 lb) k + Nx i + Ny j _ TAB lAB = 0
B Substitute for lAB and set coefficients
Nx i of k equal to zero:
_
TAB z
Q = (60 lb) k 60 = 0 (2)
25

(a) Since x = 9 in.: (9 in)2 + (20 in) 2 + z 2 = (25 in) 2

z = 12 in
TAB(12)
From eq. (2): 60 _
25
= 0 TAB = 125.0 lb
(125.0 lb)(9 in)
(b) From eq. (1): P = P = 45.0 lb
25 in

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 Acknowledgement

In this PowerPoint presentation, most of the slide has been made from the lecture
note of Ferdinand P. Beer. Russell Johnston, Jr. Special thanks to J. Walt Oler
(Texas Tech University ) for his valuable information about the Statics of
Particles.

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Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, Gazipur-