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(Mechanics - ME10001) : Dr. Puneet Kumar Patra

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What is Mechanics?

Basic Concepts Examples

Introduction
(Mechanics – ME10001)

Dr. Puneet Kumar Patra

Department of Civil Engineering


Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
puneet.patra@civil.iitkgp.ac.in

November 21, 2020


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Outline

1 What is Mechanics?
Introduction
Course Content

2 Basic Concepts
Rigid Bodies
Scalars, Vectors and Associated Operations
Coordinate Systems
Different Types of Vectors

3 Examples
Sample Question 1
Sample Question 2
Sample Question 3
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

What is Mechanics?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Introduction

The branch of science that helps in predicting, describing and understanding


the behavior (motion or rest) of bodies under the influence of forces.
Can be classified into – Classical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum
Mechanics, etc.
Here we will learn “Engineering mechanics” – based on the principles of
“Classical mechanics” as applied on real-life engineering systems.
Engineering Mechanics – the cornerstone of several engineering disciplines,
such as Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Naval Architecture, Metallurgical,
Nanoscience, etc.
Mechanics may further be understood based on whether the body is under
motion (dynamics) or if it is stationary (static).
Engineering Mechanics can be further divided into – Mechanics of rigid
bodies, Mechanics of deformable bodies and Mechanics of fluids.
Rigid bodies are those that exhibit no deformation when they are subjected
to forces.
Deformable bodies are those that exhibit deformation when subjected to
forces, for example, a tennis ball.
Fluids are those that cannot take any “shear” – a concept that you will
learn later in the course
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Introduction

The branch of science that helps in predicting, describing and understanding


the behavior (motion or rest) of bodies under the influence of forces.
Can be classified into – Classical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum
Mechanics, etc.
Here we will learn “Engineering mechanics” – based on the principles of
“Classical mechanics” as applied on real-life engineering systems.
Engineering Mechanics – the cornerstone of several engineering disciplines,
such as Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Naval Architecture, Metallurgical,
Nanoscience, etc.
Mechanics may further be understood based on whether the body is under
motion (dynamics) or if it is stationary (static).
Engineering Mechanics can be further divided into – Mechanics of rigid
bodies, Mechanics of deformable bodies and Mechanics of fluids.
Rigid bodies are those that exhibit no deformation when they are subjected
to forces.
Deformable bodies are those that exhibit deformation when subjected to
forces, for example, a tennis ball.
Fluids are those that cannot take any “shear” – a concept that you will
learn later in the course
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Introduction

The branch of science that helps in predicting, describing and understanding


the behavior (motion or rest) of bodies under the influence of forces.
Can be classified into – Classical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum
Mechanics, etc.
Here we will learn “Engineering mechanics” – based on the principles of
“Classical mechanics” as applied on real-life engineering systems.
Engineering Mechanics – the cornerstone of several engineering disciplines,
such as Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Naval Architecture, Metallurgical,
Nanoscience, etc.
Mechanics may further be understood based on whether the body is under
motion (dynamics) or if it is stationary (static).
Engineering Mechanics can be further divided into – Mechanics of rigid
bodies, Mechanics of deformable bodies and Mechanics of fluids.
Rigid bodies are those that exhibit no deformation when they are subjected
to forces.
Deformable bodies are those that exhibit deformation when subjected to
forces, for example, a tennis ball.
Fluids are those that cannot take any “shear” – a concept that you will
learn later in the course
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Introduction

The branch of science that helps in predicting, describing and understanding


the behavior (motion or rest) of bodies under the influence of forces.
Can be classified into – Classical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum
Mechanics, etc.
Here we will learn “Engineering mechanics” – based on the principles of
“Classical mechanics” as applied on real-life engineering systems.
Engineering Mechanics – the cornerstone of several engineering disciplines,
such as Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Naval Architecture, Metallurgical,
Nanoscience, etc.
Mechanics may further be understood based on whether the body is under
motion (dynamics) or if it is stationary (static).
Engineering Mechanics can be further divided into – Mechanics of rigid
bodies, Mechanics of deformable bodies and Mechanics of fluids.
Rigid bodies are those that exhibit no deformation when they are subjected
to forces.
Deformable bodies are those that exhibit deformation when subjected to
forces, for example, a tennis ball.
Fluids are those that cannot take any “shear” – a concept that you will
learn later in the course
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Introduction

The branch of science that helps in predicting, describing and understanding


the behavior (motion or rest) of bodies under the influence of forces.
Can be classified into – Classical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum
Mechanics, etc.
Here we will learn “Engineering mechanics” – based on the principles of
“Classical mechanics” as applied on real-life engineering systems.
Engineering Mechanics – the cornerstone of several engineering disciplines,
such as Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Naval Architecture, Metallurgical,
Nanoscience, etc.
Mechanics may further be understood based on whether the body is under
motion (dynamics) or if it is stationary (static).
Engineering Mechanics can be further divided into – Mechanics of rigid
bodies, Mechanics of deformable bodies and Mechanics of fluids.
Rigid bodies are those that exhibit no deformation when they are subjected
to forces.
Deformable bodies are those that exhibit deformation when subjected to
forces, for example, a tennis ball.
Fluids are those that cannot take any “shear” – a concept that you will
learn later in the course
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Introduction

The branch of science that helps in predicting, describing and understanding


the behavior (motion or rest) of bodies under the influence of forces.
Can be classified into – Classical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum
Mechanics, etc.
Here we will learn “Engineering mechanics” – based on the principles of
“Classical mechanics” as applied on real-life engineering systems.
Engineering Mechanics – the cornerstone of several engineering disciplines,
such as Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Naval Architecture, Metallurgical,
Nanoscience, etc.
Mechanics may further be understood based on whether the body is under
motion (dynamics) or if it is stationary (static).
Engineering Mechanics can be further divided into – Mechanics of rigid
bodies, Mechanics of deformable bodies and Mechanics of fluids.
Rigid bodies are those that exhibit no deformation when they are subjected
to forces.
Deformable bodies are those that exhibit deformation when subjected to
forces, for example, a tennis ball.
Fluids are those that cannot take any “shear” – a concept that you will
learn later in the course
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Introduction

The branch of science that helps in predicting, describing and understanding


the behavior (motion or rest) of bodies under the influence of forces.
Can be classified into – Classical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum
Mechanics, etc.
Here we will learn “Engineering mechanics” – based on the principles of
“Classical mechanics” as applied on real-life engineering systems.
Engineering Mechanics – the cornerstone of several engineering disciplines,
such as Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Naval Architecture, Metallurgical,
Nanoscience, etc.
Mechanics may further be understood based on whether the body is under
motion (dynamics) or if it is stationary (static).
Engineering Mechanics can be further divided into – Mechanics of rigid
bodies, Mechanics of deformable bodies and Mechanics of fluids.
Rigid bodies are those that exhibit no deformation when they are subjected
to forces.
Deformable bodies are those that exhibit deformation when subjected to
forces, for example, a tennis ball.
Fluids are those that cannot take any “shear” – a concept that you will
learn later in the course
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Introduction

The branch of science that helps in predicting, describing and understanding


the behavior (motion or rest) of bodies under the influence of forces.
Can be classified into – Classical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum
Mechanics, etc.
Here we will learn “Engineering mechanics” – based on the principles of
“Classical mechanics” as applied on real-life engineering systems.
Engineering Mechanics – the cornerstone of several engineering disciplines,
such as Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Naval Architecture, Metallurgical,
Nanoscience, etc.
Mechanics may further be understood based on whether the body is under
motion (dynamics) or if it is stationary (static).
Engineering Mechanics can be further divided into – Mechanics of rigid
bodies, Mechanics of deformable bodies and Mechanics of fluids.
Rigid bodies are those that exhibit no deformation when they are subjected
to forces.
Deformable bodies are those that exhibit deformation when subjected to
forces, for example, a tennis ball.
Fluids are those that cannot take any “shear” – a concept that you will
learn later in the course
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Introduction

The branch of science that helps in predicting, describing and understanding


the behavior (motion or rest) of bodies under the influence of forces.
Can be classified into – Classical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum
Mechanics, etc.
Here we will learn “Engineering mechanics” – based on the principles of
“Classical mechanics” as applied on real-life engineering systems.
Engineering Mechanics – the cornerstone of several engineering disciplines,
such as Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Naval Architecture, Metallurgical,
Nanoscience, etc.
Mechanics may further be understood based on whether the body is under
motion (dynamics) or if it is stationary (static).
Engineering Mechanics can be further divided into – Mechanics of rigid
bodies, Mechanics of deformable bodies and Mechanics of fluids.
Rigid bodies are those that exhibit no deformation when they are subjected
to forces.
Deformable bodies are those that exhibit deformation when subjected to
forces, for example, a tennis ball.
Fluids are those that cannot take any “shear” – a concept that you will
learn later in the course
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Course Content for the first half

In the first part of this course, we will be dealing with mechanics of rigid bodies.
The scope will be confined to the following topics:
Conditions of rest or motion of particles and rigid bodies
Properties of forces, moments, couples and their resultants
Equilibrium of force systems – non-concurrent and non parallel forces in two
and three dimensions
Application of equilibrium principles on engineering systems like trusses,
frames, machines, etc
Distributed force systems – centroids of bodies, bending moments and shear
forces in engineering systems
Frictional forces – Dry friction, belts and bearings
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Basic Concepts
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

What are Rigid Bodies?

A rigid body is a collection of large number of particles that occupy a fixed


position with respect to each other.

Figure: Consider the depicted “rigid body”. Consider two points within the body: A and
P. Let the body be subjected to a moment and a force. Focus on the distance ||p − a||.

Does the distance of P relative to A change? – Can it increase or decrease?


~−~
Let the body rotate. What happens to p a? How about ||~
p−~
a||?
What do the rigid bodies imply physically?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

What are Rigid Bodies?

A rigid body is a collection of large number of particles that occupy a fixed


position with respect to each other.

Figure: Consider the depicted “rigid body”. Consider two points within the body: A and
P. Let the body be subjected to a moment and a force. Focus on the distance ||p − a||.

Does the distance of P relative to A change? – Can it increase or decrease?


~−~
Let the body rotate. What happens to p a? How about ||~
p−~
a||?
What do the rigid bodies imply physically?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

What are Rigid Bodies?

A rigid body is a collection of large number of particles that occupy a fixed


position with respect to each other.

Figure: Consider the depicted “rigid body”. Consider two points within the body: A and
P. Let the body be subjected to a moment and a force. Focus on the distance ||p − a||.

Does the distance of P relative to A change? – Can it increase or decrease?


~−~
Let the body rotate. What happens to p a? How about ||~
p−~
a||?
What do the rigid bodies imply physically?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

What are Rigid Bodies?

A rigid body is a collection of large number of particles that occupy a fixed


position with respect to each other.

Figure: Consider the depicted “rigid body”. Consider two points within the body: A and
P. Let the body be subjected to a moment and a force. Focus on the distance ||p − a||.

Does the distance of P relative to A change? – Can it increase or decrease?


~−~
Let the body rotate. What happens to p a? How about ||~
p−~
a||?
What do the rigid bodies imply physically?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

What are Rigid Bodies?

Remember a rigid body is a collection of large number of particles


So what is a particle? – A particle is a small amount of matter that
occupies a single point in space i.e. its what we call “point mass”.
Mechanics of rigid bodies can be described in terms of variables – space,
time, mass and force.
Space : A suitable coordinate system and its origin to define the
positions.
Time : To distinguish statics from dynamics
Mass : A fundamental characteristic that often defines the forces
acting on a rigid body and its inertia.
Can you think of anything that behaves as a rigid body in real
life?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

What are Rigid Bodies?

Remember a rigid body is a collection of large number of particles


So what is a particle? – A particle is a small amount of matter that
occupies a single point in space i.e. its what we call “point mass”.
Mechanics of rigid bodies can be described in terms of variables – space,
time, mass and force.
Space : A suitable coordinate system and its origin to define the
positions.
Time : To distinguish statics from dynamics
Mass : A fundamental characteristic that often defines the forces
acting on a rigid body and its inertia.
Can you think of anything that behaves as a rigid body in real
life?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

What are Rigid Bodies?

Remember a rigid body is a collection of large number of particles


So what is a particle? – A particle is a small amount of matter that
occupies a single point in space i.e. its what we call “point mass”.
Mechanics of rigid bodies can be described in terms of variables – space,
time, mass and force.
Space : A suitable coordinate system and its origin to define the
positions.
Time : To distinguish statics from dynamics
Mass : A fundamental characteristic that often defines the forces
acting on a rigid body and its inertia.
Can you think of anything that behaves as a rigid body in real
life?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

What are Rigid Bodies?

Remember a rigid body is a collection of large number of particles


So what is a particle? – A particle is a small amount of matter that
occupies a single point in space i.e. its what we call “point mass”.
Mechanics of rigid bodies can be described in terms of variables – space,
time, mass and force.
Space : A suitable coordinate system and its origin to define the
positions.
Time : To distinguish statics from dynamics
Mass : A fundamental characteristic that often defines the forces
acting on a rigid body and its inertia.
Can you think of anything that behaves as a rigid body in real
life?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Scalars

(a) This car’s length is


2.5 m (b) This gold bar’s
mass is 1 kg
(c) This watch’s time is
12.76s

What is common for the three figures?


All are Variables that can be described only through their
magnitude
Other scalar quantities include density, speed, energy, work, etc.

SCALARS – Variables that only require the information of magnitude


for full description
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Scalars

(a) This car’s length is


2.5 m (b) This gold bar’s
mass is 1 kg
(c) This watch’s time is
12.76s

What is common for the three figures?


All are Variables that can be described only through their
magnitude
Other scalar quantities include density, speed, energy, work, etc.

SCALARS – Variables that only require the information of magnitude


for full description
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Scalars

(a) This car’s length is


2.5 m (b) This gold bar’s
mass is 1 kg
(c) This watch’s time is
12.76s

What is common for the three figures?


All are Variables that can be described only through their
magnitude
Other scalar quantities include density, speed, energy, work, etc.

SCALARS – Variables that only require the information of magnitude


for full description
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vectors
Variables that require the information of both the magnitude and direction to
completely describe them

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m:


No idea of where exactly the particle is located.
Located anywhere on a circle of radius 2m

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m making an


angle 45◦ with the x axis:
Now precise location of the particle is available with us

Typical Examples: Position, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Moment, etc


~ or P p̂
Denoted with: P or P
In n-dimensional system defining a vector requires n mutually orthogonal
directions
~ = aiˆ + b j,
In 2-d takes the form: P ˆ iˆ and jˆ denote the direction of the
mutually orthogonal directions
~ = aiˆ + b jˆ + c k̂
In 3-d takes the form: P
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vectors
Variables that require the information of both the magnitude and direction to
completely describe them

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m:


No idea of where exactly the particle is located.
Located anywhere on a circle of radius 2m

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m making an


angle 45◦ with the x axis:
Now precise location of the particle is available with us

Typical Examples: Position, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Moment, etc


~ or P p̂
Denoted with: P or P
In n-dimensional system defining a vector requires n mutually orthogonal
directions
~ = aiˆ + b j,
In 2-d takes the form: P ˆ iˆ and jˆ denote the direction of the
mutually orthogonal directions
~ = aiˆ + b jˆ + c k̂
In 3-d takes the form: P
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vectors
Variables that require the information of both the magnitude and direction to
completely describe them

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m:


No idea of where exactly the particle is located.
Located anywhere on a circle of radius 2m

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m making an


angle 45◦ with the x axis:
Now precise location of the particle is available with us

Typical Examples: Position, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Moment, etc


~ or P p̂
Denoted with: P or P
In n-dimensional system defining a vector requires n mutually orthogonal
directions
~ = aiˆ + b j,
In 2-d takes the form: P ˆ iˆ and jˆ denote the direction of the
mutually orthogonal directions
~ = aiˆ + b jˆ + c k̂
In 3-d takes the form: P
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vectors
Variables that require the information of both the magnitude and direction to
completely describe them

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m:


No idea of where exactly the particle is located.
Located anywhere on a circle of radius 2m

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m making an


angle 45◦ with the x axis:
Now precise location of the particle is available with us

Typical Examples: Position, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Moment, etc


~ or P p̂
Denoted with: P or P
In n-dimensional system defining a vector requires n mutually orthogonal
directions
~ = aiˆ + b j,
In 2-d takes the form: P ˆ iˆ and jˆ denote the direction of the
mutually orthogonal directions
~ = aiˆ + b jˆ + c k̂
In 3-d takes the form: P
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vectors
Variables that require the information of both the magnitude and direction to
completely describe them

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m:


No idea of where exactly the particle is located.
Located anywhere on a circle of radius 2m

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m making an


angle 45◦ with the x axis:
Now precise location of the particle is available with us

Typical Examples: Position, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Moment, etc


~ or P p̂
Denoted with: P or P
In n-dimensional system defining a vector requires n mutually orthogonal
directions
~ = aiˆ + b j,
In 2-d takes the form: P ˆ iˆ and jˆ denote the direction of the
mutually orthogonal directions
~ = aiˆ + b jˆ + c k̂
In 3-d takes the form: P
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vectors
Variables that require the information of both the magnitude and direction to
completely describe them

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m:


No idea of where exactly the particle is located.
Located anywhere on a circle of radius 2m

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m making an


angle 45◦ with the x axis:
Now precise location of the particle is available with us

Typical Examples: Position, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Moment, etc


~ or P p̂
Denoted with: P or P
In n-dimensional system defining a vector requires n mutually orthogonal
directions
~ = aiˆ + b j,
In 2-d takes the form: P ˆ iˆ and jˆ denote the direction of the
mutually orthogonal directions
~ = aiˆ + b jˆ + c k̂
In 3-d takes the form: P
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vectors
Variables that require the information of both the magnitude and direction to
completely describe them

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m:


No idea of where exactly the particle is located.
Located anywhere on a circle of radius 2m

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m making an


angle 45◦ with the x axis:
Now precise location of the particle is available with us

Typical Examples: Position, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Moment, etc


~ or P p̂
Denoted with: P or P
In n-dimensional system defining a vector requires n mutually orthogonal
directions
~ = aiˆ + b j,
In 2-d takes the form: P ˆ iˆ and jˆ denote the direction of the
mutually orthogonal directions
~ = aiˆ + b jˆ + c k̂
In 3-d takes the form: P
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vectors
Variables that require the information of both the magnitude and direction to
completely describe them

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m:


No idea of where exactly the particle is located.
Located anywhere on a circle of radius 2m

Consider the statement: The position of a particle from origin is 2m making an


angle 45◦ with the x axis:
Now precise location of the particle is available with us

Typical Examples: Position, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Moment, etc


~ or P p̂
Denoted with: P or P
In n-dimensional system defining a vector requires n mutually orthogonal
directions
~ = aiˆ + b j,
In 2-d takes the form: P ˆ iˆ and jˆ denote the direction of the
mutually orthogonal directions
~ = aiˆ + b jˆ + c k̂
In 3-d takes the form: P
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Coordinate Systems

Defining position of a Point in Space


We need origin
We need a coordinate system

We typically use one of the three coordinate systems

(a) Cartesian (b) Cylindrical (c) Spherical


Coordinate System Coordinate System Coordinate System
~ = x iˆ + y jˆ + z k̂
P ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + z k̂ ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + φφ̂
P
P

Symmetry in a problem governs the choice of a coordinate system


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Coordinate Systems

Defining position of a Point in Space


We need origin
We need a coordinate system

We typically use one of the three coordinate systems

(a) Cartesian (b) Cylindrical (c) Spherical


Coordinate System Coordinate System Coordinate System
~ = x iˆ + y jˆ + z k̂
P ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + z k̂ ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + φφ̂
P
P

Symmetry in a problem governs the choice of a coordinate system


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Coordinate Systems

Defining position of a Point in Space


We need origin
We need a coordinate system

We typically use one of the three coordinate systems

(a) Cartesian (b) Cylindrical (c) Spherical


Coordinate System Coordinate System Coordinate System
~ = x iˆ + y jˆ + z k̂
P ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + z k̂ ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + φφ̂
P
P

Symmetry in a problem governs the choice of a coordinate system


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Coordinate Systems

Defining position of a Point in Space


We need origin
We need a coordinate system

We typically use one of the three coordinate systems

(a) Cartesian (b) Cylindrical (c) Spherical


Coordinate System Coordinate System Coordinate System
~ = x iˆ + y jˆ + z k̂
P ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + z k̂ ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + φφ̂
P
P

Symmetry in a problem governs the choice of a coordinate system


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Coordinate Systems

Defining position of a Point in Space


We need origin
We need a coordinate system

We typically use one of the three coordinate systems

(a) Cartesian (b) Cylindrical (c) Spherical


Coordinate System Coordinate System Coordinate System
~ = x iˆ + y jˆ + z k̂
P ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + z k̂ ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + φφ̂
P
P

Symmetry in a problem governs the choice of a coordinate system


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Coordinate Systems

Defining position of a Point in Space


We need origin
We need a coordinate system

We typically use one of the three coordinate systems

(a) Cartesian (b) Cylindrical (c) Spherical


Coordinate System Coordinate System Coordinate System
~ = x iˆ + y jˆ + z k̂
P ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + z k̂ ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + φφ̂
P
P

Symmetry in a problem governs the choice of a coordinate system


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Coordinate Systems

Defining position of a Point in Space


We need origin
We need a coordinate system

We typically use one of the three coordinate systems

(a) Cartesian (b) Cylindrical (c) Spherical


Coordinate System Coordinate System Coordinate System
~ = x iˆ + y jˆ + z k̂
P ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + z k̂ ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + φφ̂
P
P

Symmetry in a problem governs the choice of a coordinate system


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Coordinate Systems

Defining position of a Point in Space


We need origin
We need a coordinate system

We typically use one of the three coordinate systems

(a) Cartesian (b) Cylindrical (c) Spherical


Coordinate System Coordinate System Coordinate System
~ = x iˆ + y jˆ + z k̂
P ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + z k̂ ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + φφ̂
P
P

Symmetry in a problem governs the choice of a coordinate system


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Coordinate Systems

Defining position of a Point in Space


We need origin
We need a coordinate system

We typically use one of the three coordinate systems

(a) Cartesian (b) Cylindrical (c) Spherical


Coordinate System Coordinate System Coordinate System
~ = x iˆ + y jˆ + z k̂
P ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + z k̂ ~ = r rˆ + θ θ̂ + φφ̂
P
P

Symmetry in a problem governs the choice of a coordinate system


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

a and ~
Figure: Consider the two vectors ~ b

Vector Addition : Parallelogram Law of vector addition


The resultant vector ~ c=~ a+~ b
~ a→~
Tail of b is added to head of ~ a to head of ~
c runs from tail of ~ b.
Vector Subtraction To do ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
a − b. Define d = −b : d is same in magnitude
as ~
b but opposite in direction. Use parallelogram law to compute ~ ~
a + d.
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

a and ~
Figure: Consider the two vectors ~ b

Vector Addition : Parallelogram Law of vector addition


The resultant vector ~ c=~ a+~ b
~ a→~
Tail of b is added to head of ~ a to head of ~
c runs from tail of ~ b.
Vector Subtraction To do ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
a − b. Define d = −b : d is same in magnitude
as ~
b but opposite in direction. Use parallelogram law to compute ~ ~
a + d.
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

a and ~
Figure: Consider the two vectors ~ b

Vector Addition : Parallelogram Law of vector addition


The resultant vector ~ c=~ a+~ b
~ a→~
Tail of b is added to head of ~ a to head of ~
c runs from tail of ~ b.
Vector Subtraction To do ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
a − b. Define d = −b : d is same in magnitude
as ~
b but opposite in direction. Use parallelogram law to compute ~ ~
a + d.
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

a and ~
Figure: Consider the two vectors ~ b

Vector Addition : Parallelogram Law of vector addition


The resultant vector ~ c=~ a+~ b
~ a→~
Tail of b is added to head of ~ a to head of ~
c runs from tail of ~ b.
Vector Subtraction To do ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
a − b. Define d = −b : d is same in magnitude
as ~
b but opposite in direction. Use parallelogram law to compute ~ ~
a + d.
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

a and ~
Figure: Consider the two vectors ~ b

Vector Components
Basis Vectors: Vectors that are linearly independent and every vector in
the vector space is a linear combination of this set
All vectors in 2-d space (see previous figure) can be written as the sum of
components along the x and y axes.

~ ˆ~
a = a1 iˆ + a2 j; b = b1 iˆ + b2 jˆ (1)

Can you rationalize this with the parallelogram law?


Let ~
a make an angle θ with the x axis. Then,

a1 = ||~
a|| cos θ; a2 = ||~
a|| sin θ (2)
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

a and ~
Figure: Consider the two vectors ~ b

Vector Components
Basis Vectors: Vectors that are linearly independent and every vector in
the vector space is a linear combination of this set
All vectors in 2-d space (see previous figure) can be written as the sum of
components along the x and y axes.

~ ˆ~
a = a1 iˆ + a2 j; b = b1 iˆ + b2 jˆ (1)

Can you rationalize this with the parallelogram law?


Let ~
a make an angle θ with the x axis. Then,

a1 = ||~
a|| cos θ; a2 = ||~
a|| sin θ (2)
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

a and ~
Figure: Consider the two vectors ~ b

Vector Components
Basis Vectors: Vectors that are linearly independent and every vector in
the vector space is a linear combination of this set
All vectors in 2-d space (see previous figure) can be written as the sum of
components along the x and y axes.

~ ˆ~
a = a1 iˆ + a2 j; b = b1 iˆ + b2 jˆ (1)

Can you rationalize this with the parallelogram law?


Let ~
a make an angle θ with the x axis. Then,

a1 = ||~
a|| cos θ; a2 = ||~
a|| sin θ (2)
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

a and ~
Figure: Consider the two vectors ~ b

Vector Components
Basis Vectors: Vectors that are linearly independent and every vector in
the vector space is a linear combination of this set
All vectors in 2-d space (see previous figure) can be written as the sum of
components along the x and y axes.

~ ˆ~
a = a1 iˆ + a2 j; b = b1 iˆ + b2 jˆ (1)

Can you rationalize this with the parallelogram law?


Let ~
a make an angle θ with the x axis. Then,

a1 = ||~
a|| cos θ; a2 = ||~
a|| sin θ (2)
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

a and ~
Figure: Consider the two vectors ~ b

Vector Components
We can now write ~
a in terms of the components as: ~ a||cosθiˆ+ ||~
a = ||~ a|| sin θjˆ
q
From pythagorean theorem: ||~a|| = a12 + a22 and tan θ = a2 /a1 .
The components along the basis vectors can be obtained by taking the
projection of the vector along the basis vector – the dot product of the
vector with the basis vector:

a.iˆ = ||~
a1 = ~ a.jˆ = ||~
a|| cos θ; a2 = ~ a|| cos(π/2 − θ) = ||~
a|| sin θ (3)
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

a and ~
Figure: Consider the two vectors ~ b

Vector Components
We can now write ~
a in terms of the components as: ~ a||cosθiˆ+ ||~
a = ||~ a|| sin θjˆ
q
From pythagorean theorem: ||~a|| = a12 + a22 and tan θ = a2 /a1 .
The components along the basis vectors can be obtained by taking the
projection of the vector along the basis vector – the dot product of the
vector with the basis vector:

a.iˆ = ||~
a1 = ~ a.jˆ = ||~
a|| cos θ; a2 = ~ a|| cos(π/2 − θ) = ||~
a|| sin θ (3)
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

a and ~
Figure: Consider the two vectors ~ b

Vector Components
We can now write ~
a in terms of the components as: ~ a||cosθiˆ+ ||~
a = ||~ a|| sin θjˆ
q
From pythagorean theorem: ||~a|| = a12 + a22 and tan θ = a2 /a1 .
The components along the basis vectors can be obtained by taking the
projection of the vector along the basis vector – the dot product of the
vector with the basis vector:

a.iˆ = ||~
a1 = ~ a.jˆ = ||~
a|| cos θ; a2 = ~ a|| cos(π/2 − θ) = ||~
a|| sin θ (3)
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

a and ~
Figure: Consider the two vectors ~ b

Vector Components
We can now write ~
a in terms of the components as: ~ a||cosθiˆ+ ||~
a = ||~ a|| sin θjˆ
q
From pythagorean theorem: ||~a|| = a12 + a22 and tan θ = a2 /a1 .
The components along the basis vectors can be obtained by taking the
projection of the vector along the basis vector – the dot product of the
vector with the basis vector:

a.iˆ = ||~
a1 = ~ a.jˆ = ||~
a|| cos θ; a2 = ~ a|| cos(π/2 − θ) = ||~
a|| sin θ (3)
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations
Vector Components in 3-dimensions
ˆ jˆ and k̂, the unit vectors x, y and z axes
Basis Vectors: i,
All vectors in 3-d space can be written as the sum of individual components:

a = a1 iˆ + a2 jˆ + a3 k̂
~ (4)

~ makes an angle α, β and γ with the x, y and z axes, respectively.


Figure: The vector P

Direction Cosines: Cosine of the angles between the vector and the basis
vectors (a vector’s projection on a basis vector divided by magnitude)
In 2-d case, (cos Φ1 , cos (π/2 − Φ1 ) are the direction cosines; In 3-d case,
three direction cosines: l = cos α, m = cos β, n = cos γ.

Can you write a 3-d vector in terms of its direction cosines?


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations
Vector Components in 3-dimensions
ˆ jˆ and k̂, the unit vectors x, y and z axes
Basis Vectors: i,
All vectors in 3-d space can be written as the sum of individual components:

a = a1 iˆ + a2 jˆ + a3 k̂
~ (4)

~ makes an angle α, β and γ with the x, y and z axes, respectively.


Figure: The vector P

Direction Cosines: Cosine of the angles between the vector and the basis
vectors (a vector’s projection on a basis vector divided by magnitude)
In 2-d case, (cos Φ1 , cos (π/2 − Φ1 ) are the direction cosines; In 3-d case,
three direction cosines: l = cos α, m = cos β, n = cos γ.

Can you write a 3-d vector in terms of its direction cosines?


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations
Vector Components in 3-dimensions
ˆ jˆ and k̂, the unit vectors x, y and z axes
Basis Vectors: i,
All vectors in 3-d space can be written as the sum of individual components:

a = a1 iˆ + a2 jˆ + a3 k̂
~ (4)

~ makes an angle α, β and γ with the x, y and z axes, respectively.


Figure: The vector P

Direction Cosines: Cosine of the angles between the vector and the basis
vectors (a vector’s projection on a basis vector divided by magnitude)
In 2-d case, (cos Φ1 , cos (π/2 − Φ1 ) are the direction cosines; In 3-d case,
three direction cosines: l = cos α, m = cos β, n = cos γ.

Can you write a 3-d vector in terms of its direction cosines?


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations
Vector Components in 3-dimensions
ˆ jˆ and k̂, the unit vectors x, y and z axes
Basis Vectors: i,
All vectors in 3-d space can be written as the sum of individual components:

a = a1 iˆ + a2 jˆ + a3 k̂
~ (4)

~ makes an angle α, β and γ with the x, y and z axes, respectively.


Figure: The vector P

Direction Cosines: Cosine of the angles between the vector and the basis
vectors (a vector’s projection on a basis vector divided by magnitude)
In 2-d case, (cos Φ1 , cos (π/2 − Φ1 ) are the direction cosines; In 3-d case,
three direction cosines: l = cos α, m = cos β, n = cos γ.

Can you write a 3-d vector in terms of its direction cosines?


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations
Vector Components in 3-dimensions
ˆ jˆ and k̂, the unit vectors x, y and z axes
Basis Vectors: i,
All vectors in 3-d space can be written as the sum of individual components:

a = a1 iˆ + a2 jˆ + a3 k̂
~ (4)

~ makes an angle α, β and γ with the x, y and z axes, respectively.


Figure: The vector P

Direction Cosines: Cosine of the angles between the vector and the basis
vectors (a vector’s projection on a basis vector divided by magnitude)
In 2-d case, (cos Φ1 , cos (π/2 − Φ1 ) are the direction cosines; In 3-d case,
three direction cosines: l = cos α, m = cos β, n = cos γ.

Can you write a 3-d vector in terms of its direction cosines?


What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

~ × B,
The cross product of two vectors, A ~ represents another vector C
~

~
C = ~×B
A ~ = |A||
~ B|~ sin (θ) n̂,
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ sin (θ) (−n̂), (5)
−C = B × A = |A||B|

~
A = Ax iˆ + Ay jˆ + Az k̂,
~
B = Bx iˆ + By jˆ + Bz k̂,
~ ~×B ~ (6)
C = A
~
=⇒ C = (Ay Bz − Az By )iˆ + (Az Bx − Ax Bz )jˆ + (Ax By − Ay Bx )k̂

~ is ⊥ to the plane containing A


C ~ and B;
~ ||C~ || equals the area of the
parallelogram that the vectors span.
~ given by the right hand rule
Direction of C
What is an area vector? What is its direction?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

~ × B,
The cross product of two vectors, A ~ represents another vector C
~

~
C = ~×B
A ~ = |A||
~ B|~ sin (θ) n̂,
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ sin (θ) (−n̂), (5)
−C = B × A = |A||B|

~
A = Ax iˆ + Ay jˆ + Az k̂,
~
B = Bx iˆ + By jˆ + Bz k̂,
~ ~×B ~ (6)
C = A
~
=⇒ C = (Ay Bz − Az By )iˆ + (Az Bx − Ax Bz )jˆ + (Ax By − Ay Bx )k̂

~ is ⊥ to the plane containing A


C ~ and B;
~ ||C~ || equals the area of the
parallelogram that the vectors span.
~ given by the right hand rule
Direction of C
What is an area vector? What is its direction?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

~ × B,
The cross product of two vectors, A ~ represents another vector C
~

~
C = ~×B
A ~ = |A||
~ B|~ sin (θ) n̂,
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ sin (θ) (−n̂), (5)
−C = B × A = |A||B|

~
A = Ax iˆ + Ay jˆ + Az k̂,
~
B = Bx iˆ + By jˆ + Bz k̂,
~ ~×B ~ (6)
C = A
~
=⇒ C = (Ay Bz − Az By )iˆ + (Az Bx − Ax Bz )jˆ + (Ax By − Ay Bx )k̂

~ is ⊥ to the plane containing A


C ~ and B;
~ ||C~ || equals the area of the
parallelogram that the vectors span.
~ given by the right hand rule
Direction of C
What is an area vector? What is its direction?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

~ × B,
The cross product of two vectors, A ~ represents another vector C
~

~
C = ~×B
A ~ = |A||
~ B|~ sin (θ) n̂,
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ sin (θ) (−n̂), (5)
−C = B × A = |A||B|

~
A = Ax iˆ + Ay jˆ + Az k̂,
~
B = Bx iˆ + By jˆ + Bz k̂,
~ ~×B ~ (6)
C = A
~
=⇒ C = (Ay Bz − Az By )iˆ + (Az Bx − Ax Bz )jˆ + (Ax By − Ay Bx )k̂

~ is ⊥ to the plane containing A


C ~ and B;
~ ||C~ || equals the area of the
parallelogram that the vectors span.
~ given by the right hand rule
Direction of C
What is an area vector? What is its direction?
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

NOTE: A ~×B ~ = −B ~ × A.~


ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
i × j = k̂, j × k̂ = i, k̂ × i = j.
If the position of the terms on the LHS are exchanged, the sign of RHS is
negative.
If terms having same directions undergo cross-product, they result in null
vector: iˆ × iˆ = 0, jˆ × jˆ = 0, k̂ × k̂ = 0.
Vector cross product follows the distributive property, which can be written as:

~ ~×B~ ~ ~ ~ E ~ + ... + A
~×Z
~
C = A  + A × D + A × (7)
~
=⇒ C = ~ ~ ~ ~
A × B + C + ... + Z

~×B
Can you geometrically argue why A ~ = −B
~ × A?
~
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

NOTE: A ~×B ~ = −B ~ × A.~


ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
i × j = k̂, j × k̂ = i, k̂ × i = j.
If the position of the terms on the LHS are exchanged, the sign of RHS is
negative.
If terms having same directions undergo cross-product, they result in null
vector: iˆ × iˆ = 0, jˆ × jˆ = 0, k̂ × k̂ = 0.
Vector cross product follows the distributive property, which can be written as:

~ ~×B~ ~ ~ ~ E ~ + ... + A
~×Z
~
C = A  + A × D + A × (7)
~
=⇒ C = ~ ~ ~ ~
A × B + C + ... + Z

~×B
Can you geometrically argue why A ~ = −B
~ × A?
~
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

NOTE: A ~×B ~ = −B ~ × A.~


ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
i × j = k̂, j × k̂ = i, k̂ × i = j.
If the position of the terms on the LHS are exchanged, the sign of RHS is
negative.
If terms having same directions undergo cross-product, they result in null
vector: iˆ × iˆ = 0, jˆ × jˆ = 0, k̂ × k̂ = 0.
Vector cross product follows the distributive property, which can be written as:

~ ~×B~ ~ ~ ~ E ~ + ... + A
~×Z
~
C = A  + A × D + A × (7)
~
=⇒ C = ~ ~ ~ ~
A × B + C + ... + Z

~×B
Can you geometrically argue why A ~ = −B
~ × A?
~
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

NOTE: A ~×B ~ = −B ~ × A.~


ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
i × j = k̂, j × k̂ = i, k̂ × i = j.
If the position of the terms on the LHS are exchanged, the sign of RHS is
negative.
If terms having same directions undergo cross-product, they result in null
vector: iˆ × iˆ = 0, jˆ × jˆ = 0, k̂ × k̂ = 0.
Vector cross product follows the distributive property, which can be written as:

~ ~×B~ ~ ~ ~ E ~ + ... + A
~×Z
~
C = A  + A × D + A × (7)
~
=⇒ C = ~ ~ ~ ~
A × B + C + ... + Z

~×B
Can you geometrically argue why A ~ = −B
~ × A?
~
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

NOTE: A ~×B ~ = −B ~ × A.~


ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
i × j = k̂, j × k̂ = i, k̂ × i = j.
If the position of the terms on the LHS are exchanged, the sign of RHS is
negative.
If terms having same directions undergo cross-product, they result in null
vector: iˆ × iˆ = 0, jˆ × jˆ = 0, k̂ × k̂ = 0.
Vector cross product follows the distributive property, which can be written as:

~ ~×B~ ~ ~ ~ E ~ + ... + A
~×Z
~
C = A  + A × D + A × (7)
~
=⇒ C = ~ ~ ~ ~
A × B + C + ... + Z

~×B
Can you geometrically argue why A ~ = −B
~ × A?
~
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Vector Operations

NOTE: A ~×B ~ = −B ~ × A.~


ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
i × j = k̂, j × k̂ = i, k̂ × i = j.
If the position of the terms on the LHS are exchanged, the sign of RHS is
negative.
If terms having same directions undergo cross-product, they result in null
vector: iˆ × iˆ = 0, jˆ × jˆ = 0, k̂ × k̂ = 0.
Vector cross product follows the distributive property, which can be written as:

~ ~×B~ ~ ~ ~ E ~ + ... + A
~×Z
~
C = A  + A × D + A × (7)
~
=⇒ C = ~ ~ ~ ~
A × B + C + ... + Z

~×B
Can you geometrically argue why A ~ = −B
~ × A?
~
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Different types of Vectors

Figure: Three different types of vectors – free, sliding and fixed.

Three different types of vectors: Free Vector, Sliding Vector, and Fixed
Vector.
A free vector is one which can move anywhere in the plane i.e. it does not
have a specified position in the plane.
A sliding vector is one that can slide in the plane i.e. it has a unique line of
action but not a unique point of application.
A fixed vector is one which has a unique line of action as well as a point of
application.
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Sample Question 1

Figure: Sample Question 1 (taken from Beer & Johnston)

Solution: There are multiple ways of solving this problem.In the first approach,
we decompose each vectors into its x and y components and appropriately add the
~ makes an angle 20◦ with x axis and has a magnitude of 40 N. Therefore
terms. P
the components are:
~ x = 40 cos(20)iˆ = 37.5877i,
P ˆP ~ y = 40 sin(20)jˆ = 13.6808j.
ˆ
~ which makes an angle 45◦
Likewise one can obtain the components of the vector Q
with the x axis and has a magnitude of 60:
~ x = 60 cos(45)iˆ = 42.4264i,
Q ˆQ ~ y = 60 sin(45)jˆ = 42.4264j.
ˆ
~ can be written as:
The resultant vector, R,
~
R = ~ +Q
P ~
= ~x + P
P ~y + Q~x + Q
~y
= 37.5877iˆ + 13.6808jˆ + 42.4264iˆ + 42.4264jˆ
= 80.0141iˆ + 56.1072jˆ
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Sample Question 1

The magnitude and direction (with respect to x axis) of the resultant vector are:
q √
~
||R| = ~ x ||2 + ||R
||R ~ y ||2 = 80.01412 + 56.10722 = 97.725
!
~ y ||
||R

56.1072

θ = tan−1 = tan−1 = 35.03◦ .
~ x ||
||R 80.0141
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Sample Question 2 I

Figure: Sample Question 2 (taken from Beer & Johnston)

Solution: Let the force due to the tugboats be denoted by A ~ and C


~ . It is said
~ is oriented along the axis of the barge. Take the axis of the
that the resultant, R
barge to be x-axis. Therefore, R~ makes 0◦ with x axis. When does a vector make
no angle with x axis only? → when its y component is zero, i.e. |R| ~ y = 0. So, y
component of A must be equal and opposite of the y component of C :

~y
|A| = ~ |y
|C
~
|A| sin(30) = ~ | sin(α)
|C
~
|A| = 2|C~ | sin(α)
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Sample Question 2 II
~ has a magnitude of 5000:
It is also given that the resultant force R
q
~
|R| = ~ 2 + |R|
|R| ~ 2
x y
5000 = ~ x = |A|
|R| ~ x + |C~ |x
5000 = ~ cos(30) + |C
|A| ~ | cos(α)
5000 = ~ | sin(α) cos(30) + |C
2|C ~ | cos(α)

5000 = 3|C~ | sin(α) + |C ~ | cos(α)

(a) If α = 45◦ , substituting in the above expression we get:


5000 = 3|C~ | √1 + |C
~ | √1
√2 2
5000 = ~| 1 +
|C √
3
2
~|
|C = 2588.19

The force in tugboat A is given by:

~
|A| = ~ | sin(α)
2|C
~
|A| = 3660.254
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Sample Question 2 III

~ | in terms of α:
(b) Let us express |C

~| 5000
|C = √
3 sin(α) + cos(α)
~| 2500
|C = √
3 1
sin(α) + cos(α)
2 2
~| 2500
|C =
sin(30 + α)

We know that for |C ~ | to be minimum , the denominator has to be maximum. The


maximum value occurs when sin(30 + α) = 1 → 30 + α = 90 → α = 60. Substitute
~ | and |A|.
the value of α to get the solution for |C ~
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Sample Question 2 I

Figure: Sample Question 2 (taken from Beer & Johnston)

Solution: Let the force due to the tugboats be denoted by A ~ and C


~ . It is said
~ is oriented along the axis of the barge. Take the axis of the
that the resultant, R
barge to be x-axis. Therefore, R~ makes 0◦ with x axis. When does a vector make
no angle with x axis only? → when its y component is zero, i.e. |R| ~ y = 0. So, y
component of A must be equal and opposite of the y component of C :

~y
|A| = ~ |y
|C
~
|A| sin(30) = ~ | sin(α)
|C
~
|A| = 2|C~ | sin(α)
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Sample Question 2 II
~ has a magnitude of 5000:
It is also given that the resultant force R
q
~
|R| = ~ 2 + |R|
|R| ~ 2
x y
5000 = ~ x = |A|
|R| ~ x + |C~ |x
5000 = ~ cos(30) + |C
|A| ~ | cos(α)
5000 = ~ | sin(α) cos(30) + |C
2|C ~ | cos(α)

5000 = 3|C~ | sin(α) + |C ~ | cos(α)

(a) If α = 45◦ , substituting in the above expression we get:


5000 = 3|C~ | √1 + |C
~ | √1
√2 2
5000 = ~| 1 +
|C √
3
2
~|
|C = 2588.19

The force in tugboat A is given by:

~
|A| = ~ | sin(α)
2|C
~
|A| = 3660.254
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Sample Question 2 III

~ | in terms of α:
(b) Let us express |C

~| 5000
|C = √
3 sin(α) + cos(α)
~| 2500
|C = √
3 1
sin(α) + cos(α)
2 2
~| 2500
|C =
sin(30 + α)

We know that for |C ~ | to be minimum , the denominator has to be maximum. The


maximum value occurs when sin(30 + α) = 1 → 30 + α = 90 → α = 60. Substitute
~ | and |A|.
the value of α to get the solution for |C ~
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Sample Question 3 I

Figure: Sample Question 3 (taken from mathalino.com). Find the angle between the y axis
and A.

Solution: In order to solve this question, we will utilize the concept of direction
~ be denoted by r . Therefore, the z component of |A|
cosines. Let |A| ~ is:


~z | 3r
|A = r cos(30) =
2

We can write this equation because the direction cosine with respect to z axis, n,
~ onto the x − y plane has a magnitude
in this case is cos(30). The projection of A
given by:
~xy | = r sin(30) = r
|A
2
What is Mechanics? Basic Concepts Examples

Sample Question 3 II

This is the shaded line shown in the x − y plane. The x and y components of the
shaded line is given by:

~x | ~xy | cos(40) = r
|A = |A cos(40) = 0.383r
2
~y |
|A = ~xy | sin(40) = r sin(40) = 0.321r
|A
2

~y | in terms
But, we know that |A of the direction cosine with respect to y axis, m,
is given by:
~y |
|A = r × m = r × cos(θ)
0.321r = r × cos(θ)
θ = 71.25◦

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