MODULE 1

MECHANICS
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Solve the resultant of forces in equilibrium

2. Determine the center of gravity of regular and irregularly shaped bodies
3. Find the resultant of couples or parallel forces
4. Apply the principles of forces in equilibrium in basic designs

INTRODUCTION

Most commonly in physics, vectors are used to represent displacement, velocity, and

acceleration. Vectors are a combination of magnitude and direction, and are drawn as arrows.
The length represents the magnitude and the direction of that quantity is the direction in which
the vector is pointing.

When all the forces that act upon an object are balanced, then the object is said to be in a state
of equilibrium. The forces are considered to be balanced if the rightward forces are balanced
by the leftward forces and the upward forces are balanced by the downward forces. This
however does not necessarily mean that all the forces are equal to each other.

CONTENT

MECHANICS – oldest branch of physics. Study of the interrelation of force, matter and motion.

TWO DIVISIONS OF MECHANICS

1. Kinematics – Study of how bodies move without regard to the causes of motion.
2. Dynamics – study of the causes of motion.
Statics – Study of the body at rest. Special case of Dynamics,.

TWO TYPES OF QUANTITIES

1. Scalar quantities – Quantities having magnitude but no direction
Example:
Mass, Volume, Density, Area, Temperature, Speed, Pressure, Power
2. Vector quantities – Quantities having both magnitude and direction.
Example:
Force, Momentum, Velocity, Acceleration

FORCE – A push or a pull exerted by a body. The action of one body against another.
 KINDS OF FORCE

1. Concurrent forces – Forces acting at a point on a body or whose lines of action converge at a
point.

2. Non-concurrent forces – Forces acting on a body whose lines of action do not converge at a
point.

3. Coplanar forces – Forces acting on one plane.

4. Non-coplanar forces – Forces acting on more than one plane.

COMPOSITION OF VECTORS/FORCES – The process of finding the resultant of two or more

vectors/forces.

RESULTANT – A single force that will produce the same effect on the body as that produced by the given
forces.

EQUILIBRANT – Oppositely directed force of the same magnitude.

NOTE:

Composition of forces is sometimes called Addition or Subtraction of forces

 METHODS IN FINDING THE RESULTANT

1. Geometric or Graphical method

1.1 Triangle method – also called Tip to Tail method. Used for two given vectors/ forces.
Guide:
 Draw the first vector/force to some scale, say 1N:1cm
 Draw the second vector/force with its tail starting at the tip of the first
vector/force using the same scale.
 The vector/force from the tail of the first to the tip of the second is the resultant
1.2 Parallelogram method – Also used for two given vectors/forces.
Guide:
 Draw the two vectors/forces to scale tail tail in the same axis.
 Draw the parallelogram with the length of the sides equal to the sides of the
vectors/forces.
 The resultant is the diagonal drawn from the tail ends of the two vectors/forces
to the opposite vertex.
1.3 Polygon method - Uses also Tip to Tail method. Used for three or more vectors/forces.
Guide:
 Draw the first vector/force with its tail from the origin using some scale.
 Then draw the second vector/force from the tip of the first vector/force.
 Continue the process until all the vectors/forces are drawn.
 The resultant is the enclosing side of the polygon

SAMPLE PROBLEM:

1. An oil tanker is travelling at the rate of 15 mi/hr. A cabin crew walks across the deck in a
direction at right angles to the direction of the oil tanker at the rate of 6 ft/sec. What is the
total distance travelled by the cabin crew in 1 second? Use (a) triangle method (b)
parallelogram method.

(a) Triangle method

Given:
mi 5280 ft 1 hr ft
Rate oil tanker = 15 x x = 22
hr 1 mi 3600 sec sec

ft
D oil tanker = 22 x 1 sec = 22 ft 11 cm
sec

ft
D cabin crew = 6 x 1 sec = 6 ft 3 cm
sec

Scale: 2 ft : 1 cm
 3 cm

11.5 cm

11 cm 2 ft
D cabin crew with respect to earth = 11.5 cm x = 23 ft
1cm

11.5 cm

(b) Parallelogram method

2 ft 11 cm
D cabin crew with respect to earth = 11.5 cm x
1cm

3 cm
2. Two forces F1 = 8.0 N and at an angle of 60 (1 quadrant) and F2 = 5.5 N at an angle of 45O
O st

( 4rt quadrant) are applied to a particle at the origin. What third force F 3 would make the
net or resultant force on the particle zero?

Given:
F1 = 8.0 N at 60O in the 1st quadrant
F2 = 5.5 N at 45O in the 4rt quadrant
Required:
F3
Solution:
(a) Triangle method
Scale: 1 N : 1 cm

FF3 ==8.4
5.5cm
2

cm
 F1 = 8 cm

1N
F3 = 8.4 cm x = 8.4 N
1cm

(b) Parallelogram method

Scale: 1 N : 1 cm

F1 =8cm

F3 = 8.4.cm

F2 = 5.5
cmcm

1N
F3 = 8.4 cm x = 8.4 N
1cm
 3. Find the resultant of the following forces; F1 = 20 N at 35O , F2 = 15 N at 127O and
F3 = 40 N at 225O

Using polygon method

Scale: 5 N : 1 cm

F1 = 4 cm
F2 = 3 cm
F3 = 8 cm

F1 = 4cm
R =F34.5cm
F2 = =3cm
8cm

5N
R = 4.5 cm x = 22.5 N
1cm

2. Analytical method – Make use of equations and formulas in finding the resultant.
2.1 Right triangle concept – Used if the two vectors/forces make an angle 90 O between them
2.2 Oblique triangle concept – Used if the two vectors/forces make an angle α between them,
where α ≠ 90O
2.3 Component method – Used for two or more vectors/forces. Also called rectangular
resolution.
F
NOTE:

(+) (+)
Fy α
(-) (-)
Fx
Fx = F Cosα Fy = F Sinα

R = √ ( εFx )2 + ( εFy )2
 Direction of the resultant:

ε Fy
Tanθ = ε Fx

4. A ship sails 30 knots due North and 40 knots due East. How far is it from the starting point
after 1 hour?
Given:

40 nau mi

30 nau mi D

Required:
D
Solution:
Since the two vectors form 90 O between them, use Pythagorean theorem to solve for D
2 2
D= √ ( 30 +40 ) = 50 nau mi

5. A 30 N body is suspended by two cords, one making 53 O with the vertical and the other
making 30O with the horizontal. What are the tensions in the cord?
Given:

T1 T2
53o o
30

30N
Required:
T1 and T2
Solution:
Draw the Free Body Diagram (FBD)
 T2
60o

30 N
67o

53o

T1

Use Sine Law to solve for T 1 and T2

30 N T1 T2
o = o =
sin 67 sin 60 sin 53o

30 N sin 60o
T1 = = 26.03 N
sin 67o

30 N sin 53o
T2 = = 28.22 N
sin 67o
6. Find the resultant and the direction of the two vectors as shown in the figure using
component method.

F2 = 15N
F1 = 10N
27o 37o

Required:
R and θ

Solution: R

εFx = F1x - F2x = F1 Cos 37o - F2 Cos 27o = 10N Cos 37o - 15N Cos 27o = -5.38N
εFy = F1y + F2y = F1 Sin 37o + F2 Sin 27o = 10N Sin 37o + 15N Sin 27o = 12.83N

2 2 2 2
R = √ ( εFx ) +( εFy ) = √ (−5.38 N ) + (12.83 N ) = 13.91N

ε Fy 12.83 N
Tan θ = = = - 2.3846 θ = Tan-1 – 2.3846 = - 67.25o = 292.75o
ε Fx −5.38 N

Activity # 1
1. Find the resultant of the given vectors using graphical and analytical method; F 1 = 20 N due East
and F2 = 25 N due North.
(a) Graphical method

(b) Analytical method

2. Find the resultant and direction of the following forces using component method;
F1 = 18 lbs N68oE, F2 = 10 lbs N17oW, F3 = 14 lbs S33oW, F4 = 6 lbs S52oE

3. A 10 kg weight is on an inclined plane 10 ft long and 6 ft high. If there is no friction,

what force parallel to the plane will prevent the body from sliding?

4. A pendulum bod weighing 500 g is suspended on a fine wire. What is the tension on the wire
when the bod swings at 60o from the vertical?
5. Find analytically the resultant of the forces shown below; where F 1 = 20 kg at (4,4),
F2 = 15 Kg at (-5,5), F3 = 5 kg at (-2,-2), F4 = 10 Kg at (3, -3)

F2 F1

F5
F3

FORCES IN EQUILIBRIUM
EQUILIBRIUM – means the absence of acceleration
NOTE:
 For the body to be in EQUILIBRIUM, it must have no tendency toward translation or
rotation

MOMENT or TORQUE – the product of the force and perpendicular distance of its line of action
to a given axis of rotation
M = F.d F1
Consider the figure; F2

o a

MF1 = F1 a (+) NOTE:

MF2 = F2 b (-) (-)

(+ )

Moment Arm – The perpendicular distance from the center of moment to the line of action.
Center of moment - The axis of rotation perpendicular to the plane of the forces and the point
at which this axis intersects the plane,.
CONDITIONS OF EQUILIBRIUM
1. The vector sum of the forces is zero
∑F = 0
2. The algebraic sum of the moments or torques about any axis normal to the plane must be
zero
∑M = 0
3. The algebraic sum of the vertical and horizontal components of the forces must be zero
∑Fx = 0 ∑Fy = 0
4. The algebraic sum of the moments or torques of the vertical and horizontal components of
the force about any axis normal to the plane must be zero
∑Mx = 0 ∑My = 0
SAMPLE PROBLEM:
 1. A uniform beam weighing 50N and 12m long leans against a smooth wall with its lower end
6m away from the wall. What are the reactions of the ground and of the wall @ the points
of contact?
Given:

F3

12m

50 N
F2
6m A

Required: F1
F1, F2 and F3
Solution:
∑F x = 0
∑F x = F3 – F2 = 0
F2 = F3 ( equation 1 )
∑F y = 0
0 = F 1 – 50 N
F 1 = 50 N

∑M A = 0
∑M A = F3•x – 50 N (3m)
But; x = √ 144−36 = 10.39 m

0 = (10.39m)F 3 – 150N-m
F3 = 14. 44 N
F 2 = F3 = 14. 44 N

2. Calculate the values of T and W required to produce equilibrium as shown below?

Given:
T

600 300

W
 60Kg

Required:
T and W
Solution:

∑Fy = 0
∑Fy = 0= Ty + 60 Sin 30o – W
W = T Cos 60 o + 30 ( equation 1 )

∑Fx = 0
∑Fx = 0 = 60 Cos 30o – T Cos 60o

T = 103.92 Kg
From equation 1:
W = 103 92 Kg Cos 60 o + 30
W = 81.96 Kg

3.A uniform bar 6m long is held by ropes @ the ends making angles 60 0 and 300 respectively
with the horizontal. A weight of 300N is hung 1m from the left end where the 60 0 rope is
attached. Find the tensions in the ropes and the weight of the bar.
Given:
T1 6m

T2
60o 30
o

1m
30 W
Required: 0N
T1, T2 and W

Solution:

∑Fy = 0 = T2 Cos 30o – T1 Cos 60o

T 1 cos 30o
T1 =
cos 60 o
T1 = 1.73 T2 (equation 1)
∑Fy = 0 = T1 Sin 60o + T2 Sin 30o -300 N – W ( equation 2 )

∑Mo = 0 = T1 Sin 60o (6) – 300(5) – W(3)

0 = 5.196 T 1 – 1500 – 3W

1500+3 W
T1 = ( equation 3 )
5.196

Equate equation 1 and equation 2

1500+3 W
12.73 T2 =
5.196

T2 = 166. 87 + 0.33 W ( equation 4 )

Substitute equation 3 and 4 in equation 2

( 1500+3 W
5.196 )
Sin 60 + ( 166.87+0.33 W ) Sin 30 = 300 + W
o o

250 + 0.5W + 83. 435 + 0.165W = 300 + W

0.335W = 33.435

W = 99.81 N

Substitute W in equation 3 and equation 4 to solve for T 1 and T2

T1 = 346.31 N
T2 = 199.81 N
 Activity # 2

1. A 50g weight is suspended from two cords. One cord exerts a force of 30g and makes an
angle of 750 to the right of the vertical and the other exerts a force of F g and is Ѳ to the
left of the vertical. Find F and Ѳ.

2. A beam BC and a cable AB support a weight of 1200lbs. as shown below. The beam
weighs 300 lbs. Calculate the tensions in the cable and the reactions of the support C.

12,000lb
30o 45 s
A
C
PARALLEL FORCES: COUPLES

COUPLE – a pair of equal, parallel and opposite forces acting on a body

NOTE:

 The RESULTANT of parallel forces are determined by getting the algebraic sum of the
forces

SAMPLE PROBLEM:
1. Forces of 20 units upward, 50 units upward and 30 units downward are applied at points 0,
2 unit and 6 unit marks respectively on a body. Determine the amount, direction and
position of the resultant.
Given: 50 units
30 units
20 units

Required:

R and x R

Solution:

R = 20 + 50 – 30 = 40 units

∑M0 = -50(2) + 30(6) = 80

80 = 40x

X=2

CENTER OF GRAVITY
- The point where the weight of the body is concentrated

ARCHIMEDES: “There is a point on a body called CENTER OF GRAVITY such that the body will
balance in all positions when supported @ that point”
 To determine the center of gravity of regularly shaped body, moment and parallel
forces principles are used.

∑ Wx ∑ Wy
X= y=
W W
Where:
W = weight of the body, X = perpendicular distance to y-axis, Y = perpendicular distance to the x-axi
 SAMPLE PROBLEM:

1. Find the center of gravity of a board in the shape of a T as shown below

y - axis

8”
X - axis
4” •

10””

4”
Center of
gravity

10 ( 4 ) ( 5 ) + 4 ( 8 ) ( 12 )
x́ =
11 ( 4 )+ 4 ( 8 )

x́ = 8.11inches

2. Find the center of gravity of the figure shown

Y - axis
1’

3’

3’

1’
X - axis

Center of gravity
3 (1 ) ( 0.5 ) +3 ( 1 ) ( 2.5 )
x́ =
3+3
x́ = 1.5 in.
3 (1 ) ( 1.5 ) +3 ( 1 )( 0.5 )
ý =
3+3
ý = 1 in.
 Activity 3

1. A ball weighing 20 g rests on two boards arranged as a 45 o through with one board
vertical. What are the reactions of the board on the ball?

2. Given forces of 10 g upward acting @ 0 ft mark, 20 g upward @ 3 ft mark and 15 g

downward @ 5 ft mark. Determine the magnitude of the resultant and its point of
application

3. Find the center of gravity of the figure shown below

3”

2”

6”
”

1”

8”
REFERENCES

Young, Hugh D. and Freedman, Roger A.(1996) University Physics, 2nd Edition,
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Serway, Raymund A. (1996) Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics,
4th Edition