Edition

Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
CE 102 Statics

Chapter 2

Statics of Particles

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Contents

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 Sample Problem 2.5
Forces Rectangular Components in Space
Sample Problem 2.1 Sample Problem 2.6
Sample Problem 2.2
Rectangular Components of a Force:
Unit Vectors
Addition of Forces by Summing
Components

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
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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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
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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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Vectors
• 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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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Addition of Vectors
• Trapezoid rule for vector addition

• Triangle rule for vector addition

• Law of cosines,
C
B R 2  P 2  Q 2  2 PQ cos B
  
C R  PQ

• Law of sines,
sin A sin B sin C
 
B Q R A

• Vector addition is commutative,

   
PQ  Q P

• Vector subtraction

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
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,
        
P  Q  S  P  Q   S  P  Q  S 

• Multiplication of a vector by a scalar

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
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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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
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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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
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,
R  98 N   35

• 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,

R  98 N   35

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 2.1
• Trigonometric solution - Apply the triangle rule.
From the Law of Cosines,
R 2  P 2  Q 2  2 PQ cos B
 40N 2  60N 2  240N 60N  cos155
R  97.73N

From the Law of Sines,

sin A sin B

Q R
Q
sin A  sin B
R
60N
 sin 155
97.73N
A  15.04
  20  A
  35.04
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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
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 • Find a trigonometric solution by applying
exerted by the tugboats is 5000 N the Triangle Rule for vector addition. With
directed along the axis of the the magnitude and direction of the resultant
barge, determine known and the directions of the other two
sides parallel to the ropes given, apply the
a) the tension in each of the ropes Law of Sines to find the rope tensions.
for  = 45o, • The angle for minimum tension in rope 2 is
b) the value of  for which the determined by applying the Triangle Rule
tension in rope 2 is a minimum. and observing the effect of variations in .

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 2.2

• Graphical solution - Parallelogram Rule

with known resultant direction and
magnitude, known directions for sides.
T1  3700 N T2  2600 N

• Trigonometric solution - Triangle Rule

with Law of Sines
T1 T2 5000 N
 
sin 45 sin 30 sin 105

T1  3660 N T2  2590 N

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
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 .

• The minimum tension in rope 2 occurs when

T1 and T2 are perpendicular.

T2  5000 N sin 30 T2  2500 N

T1  5000 N  cos 30 T1  4330 N

  90  30   60

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Rectangular Components of a Force: Unit Vectors
• May resolve a force vector into perpendicular
components so that the resulting parallelogram is a
rectangle. Fx and Fy are referred to as rectangular
vector components and
  
F  Fx  Fy
 
• Define perpendicular unit vectors i and j 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.
  
F  Fx i  Fy j

Fx and Fy are referred to as the scalar components of F

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Addition of Forces by Summing Components
• Wish to find the resultant of 3 or more
concurrent forces,
   
R  PQ S

• Resolve each force into rectangular components

       
Rx i  R y j  Px i  Py j  Qx i  Q y j  S x i  S y j
 Px  Qx  S x i  Py  Q y  S y  j
 

• The scalar components of the resultant are

equal to the sum of the corresponding scalar
components of the given forces.
Rx  Px  Qx  S x R y  Py  Q y  S y
  Fx   Fy
• To find the resultant magnitude and direction,
1 R y
R  Rx  R y
2 2
  tan
Rx
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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
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

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

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 2.3
SOLUTION:
• Resolve each force into rectangular components.
force mag x  comp y  comp

F1 150  129.9  75.0

F2 80  27.4  75.2

F3 110 0  110.0

F4 100  96.6  25.9
Rx  199.1 R y  14.3

• Determine the components of the resultant by

adding the corresponding force components.
• Calculate the magnitude and direction.
R  199.12  14.32 R  199.6 N
14.3 N
tan     4.1
199.1 N
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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
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  
R  F  0
- opposite sense
 Fx  0  Fy  0
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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Free-Body Diagrams

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

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

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 2.4
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
In a ship-unloading operation, a magnitudes.
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?

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
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.

TAB T 3500 N
 AC 
sin 120 sin 2 sin 58
TAB  3570 N
TAC  144 N

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 2.5
SOLUTION:
• Choosing the hull as the free body,
draw a free-body diagram.
• Express the condition for equilibrium
for the hull by writing that the sum of
all forces must be zero.
It is desired to determine the drag force
at a given speed on a prototype sailboat • Resolve the vector equilibrium
hull. A model is placed in a test equation into two component
channel and three cables are used to equations. Solve for the two unknown
align its bow on the channel centerline. cable tensions.
For a given speed, the tension is 40 N
in cable AB and 60 N in cable AE.
Determine the drag force exerted on the
hull and the tension in cable AC.

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 2.5
SOLUTION:
• Choosing the hull as the free body, draw a
free-body diagram.
7m 1.5 m
tan    1.75 tan    0.375
4m 4m
  60.25   20.56

• Express the condition for equilibrium

for the hull by writing that the sum of
all forces must be zero.
    
R  T AB  T AC  T AE  FD  0

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 2.5
• Resolve the vector equilibrium equation into
two component equations. Solve for the two
unknown cable tensions.
  
T AB        
40 N sin 60.26 i 40 N cos 60.26 j
 
 34.73 N i  19.84 N  j
  
T AC  T AC sin 20.56 i  T AC cos 20.56 j
 
 0.3512 T AC i  0.9363T AC j
 
T  60 N j
 
FD  FD i


R0

  34.73  0.3512 T AC  FD i

 19.84  0.9363T AC  60 j

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 2.5

R0

  34.73  0.3512TAC  FD  i

 19.84  0.9363TAC  60 j

This equation is satisfied only if each component

of the resultant is equal to zero.

 Fx  0 0  34.73  0.3512TAC  FD
 Fy  0 0  19.84  0.9363TAC  60
TAC  42.9 N
FD  19.66 N

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Rectangular Components in Space

• Resolve Fh into
  rectangular components.
• The vector F is • Resolve F into
contained in the horizontal and vertical
plane OBAC. components. Fx  Fh cos f
Fy  F cos y  F sin  y cos f
F z  Fh sin f
Fh  F sin  y
 F sin  y sin f

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Rectangular Components in Space


• With the angles between F and the axes,
Fx  F cos x Fy  F cos y Fz  F cos z
   
F  Fx i  Fy j  Fz k

  
 F cos x i  cos y j  cos z k

 F
   
  cos x i  cos y j  cos z k
 
•  is a unit vector along the line of action of F
and cos x , cos
  y , and cos z are the direction
cosines for F
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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Rectangular Components in Space

Direction of the force is defined by

the location of two points,
M  x1 , y1 , z1  and N  x2 , y 2 , z 2 


d  vector joining M and N
  
 d xi  d y j  d z k
d x  x2  x1 d y  y 2  y1 d z  z 2  z1
 
F  F
 1 
  
  d xi  d y j  d z k
d

Fd x Fd y Fd z
Fx  Fy  Fz 
d d d
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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 2.6
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.

• Noting that the components of the unit

vector are the direction cosines for the
The tension in the guy wire is 2500 N. vector, calculate the corresponding
Determine: angles.

a) components Fx, Fy, Fz of the force

acting on the bolt at A,
b) the angles x, y, z defining the
direction of the force
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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 2.6
SOLUTION:
• Determine the unit vector pointing from A
towards B.
  
AB   40 m  i  80 m  j  30 m k
AB   40 m 2  80 m 2  30 m 2
 94.3 m
   40    80    30  
  i    j  k
 94.3   94.3   94.3 
  
 0.424 i  0.848 j  0.318k
• Determine the components of the force.
 
F  F

 2500 N  0.424 i  0.848 j  0.318k 
 
  
  1060 N i  2120 N  j  795 N k

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 2.6
• Noting that the components of the unit vector are
the direction cosines for the vector, calculate the
corresponding angles.
   
  cos x i  cos y j  cos z k
  
 0.424 i  0.848 j  0.318k

 x  115.1
 y  32.0 
 z  71.5

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 Problem 2.7

The direction of the 75-lb

240 lb forces may vary, but the
A angle between the forces
30o is always 50o. Determine
 the value of  for which
75 lb the resultant of the forces
50o acting at A is directed
horizontally to the left.
75 lb

33
 Problem 2.7
Solving Problems on Your Own

240 lb The direction of the 75-lb

A forces may vary, but the
30o angle between the forces
 is always 50o. Determine
75 lb the value of  for which
50o the resultant of the forces
acting at A is directed
75 lb horizontally to the left.

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.

34
 Problem 2.7 Solution
240 lb
A Determine the resultant R of two
30o or more forces.

75 lb We first Replace the two 75-lb
50o
forces by their resultant R1, using
75 lb the triangle rule.

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

50o 25o R1
R1 = 135.95 lb  +25o

35
 Problem 2.7 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

30o +25o of R1 and the 240-lb force
R1 = 135.95 lb and recall that R2 must be
240 lb horizontal and directed to
the left.
Law of sines:

sin(+25o) sin(30o)
=
240 lb 135.95 lb  + 25o = 61.97o
o
(240 lb) sin(30 )
o
sin(+25 ) = = 0.88270  = 37.0o
135.95 lb 36
 Problem 2.8

y
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 A x each cable.
600 mm

37
 y Problem 2.8

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

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  = (dx i + dy j + dz k)
d 38
 y Problem 2.8

360 mm Solving Problems on Your Own

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

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.

39
 Problem 2.8 Solution

y Draw a free-body diagram of the particle.

360 mm
C 450 mm

D SF=0
O
500 mm TAC
B 320 mm TAB + TAC + TAD + W = 0
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

40
 y Problem 2.8 Solution
360 mm
C 450 mm Resolve each of the forces
D into rectangular components.
O
TAC AB
500 mm TAB = TAB AB = TAB =
B 320 mm AB
TAD TAB
z 450 600
A
W = _ (1165 N) j
600 mm x = ( 750
i+
750 )
j TAB =

= (0.6 i + 0.8 j) TAB

AC 600 _ 320 15 j _ 8 k
TAC = TAC AC = TAC
AC
= 680 j(680
k TAC =
17 ) (
17
TAC )
AD 500 600 360
TAD = TAD AD = TAD
AD
=
860
i+
860
j+(860
k TAD = )
25 30 18
= (
43
i+
43
j+
43
k TAD ) 41
 y Problem 2.8 Solution
360 mm
C 450 mm Set the resultant, or sum, of
D the forces exerted on the
O
500 mm TAC particle equal to zero.
B 320 mm
TAD
z TAB Substitution into S F = 0,
A 600 mm x factor i, j, k and set their
W = _ (1165 N) j coefficients to zero:

0.6 TAB _ 25 TAD = 0 TAB = 0.9690 TAD (1)

43
15 30 T _
0.8 TAB + TAC + AD 1165 N = 0 + (2)
17 43

_ 8 18 T = 0
T + TAC = 0.8895 TAD (3)
17 AC 43 AD 42
 y Problem 2.8 Solution
360 mm
C 450 mm

D Substitution for TAB and

O
500 mm TAC TAC from (1) and (3)
B 320 mm into (2):
TAD TAB
z
A 600 mm x
W = _ (1165 N) j

15 30
( 0.8 x 0.9690 + x 0.8895 + )TAD _ 1165 N = 0
17 43
2.2578 TAD _ 1165 N = 0 TAD = 516 N

From (1): TAB = 0.9690 (516 N) TAB = 500 N

From (3): TAC = 0.8895 (516 N) TAC = 459 N43

 Problem 2.9
y
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
 the force exerted by the
O B cable on the anchor B, (b)
the angles x, y, and z
20o defining the direction of
50o
z that force.
C x

44
 y Problem 2.9

A Solving Problems on Your Own

56 ft Cable AB is 65 ft long, and
the tension in that cable is
D 3900 lb. Determine (a) the
 x, y, and z components of
the force exerted by the
O B cable on the anchor B, (b)
20o the angles x, y, and z
50o defining the direction of
z C that force.
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 y and f, projections of F through these
angles or their components will yield the components of F.
45
 y Problem 2.9

A Solving Problems on Your Own

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
 the force exerted by the
O B cable on the anchor B, (b)
the angles x, y, and z
20o defining the direction of
50o
z 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 x= F cos y= F cos z= F
46
 y Problem 2.9 Solution
A
Determine the direction cosines of
the line of action of a force.
65 ft
y From triangle AOB:
F Fy
56 ft cos y = 56 ft = 0.86154
65 ft
Fx y = 30.51o
O B
(a) Fx = _ F sin y cos 20o
20o Fz
= _ (3900 lb) sin 30.51o cos 20o
z Fx = _1861 lb
x
Fy = + F cos y = (3900 lb)(0.86154) Fy = + 3360 lb
Fz = + (3900 lb) sin 30.51o sin 20o Fz = + 677 lb
47
 y Problem 2.9 Solution
A
Determine the direction cosines
of the line of action of a force.
65 ft
y
F Fy Fx _
1861 lb
56 ft (b) cos x = =
F 3900 lb
cos x = _ 0.4771
Fx
O B x = 118.5o
20o Fz
From above (a): y = 30.5o
x

Fz 677 lb
cos z = = + = + 0.1736 z = 80.0o
F 3900 lb
48
 Problem 2.10

A B
Two cables are tied
together at C and
8.5 ft 9 ft loaded as shown.
C determine the tension
5 ft
396 lb (a) in cable AC,
(b) in cable BC.
12 ft 7.5 ft

49
 Problem 2.10
A B Solving Problems on Your Own

Two cables are tied

8.5 ft 9 ft together at C and
C loaded as shown.
5 ft
396 lb determine the tension
(a) in cable AC,
12 ft 7.5 ft (b) in cable BC.

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

the particle and all the forces acting on it.

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.
50
 FREE BODY C: Problem 2.10 Solution
y
Draw a free-body diagram
TBC of the particle.
TAC

3.5 4 Set the resultant, or sum, of

x
12 7.5 the forces exerted on the
particle equal to zero.
396 lb

12 T 7.5
S Fx = 0 : AC + 8.5
TBC = 0
12.5
TBC = 1.088 TAC

3.5 4
S Fy = 0 : T
12.5 AC + 8.5 TBC 396 lb = 0

51
 y Problem 2.10 Solution
TBC
TAC

3.5 4
12 7.5
x

396 lb

(a) Substitute for TBC:

3.5 4 _
TAC + (1.088 TAC ) 396 lb = 0
12.5 8.5

(0.280 + 0.512) TAC _ 396 lb = 0 TAC = 500 lb

(b) TBC = 1.088 (500 lb) TBC = 544 lb

52
 Problem 2.11
y
x
Collars A and B are connected
P
by a 25-in.-long wire and can
A slide freely on frictionless rods.
If a 60-lb force Q is applied to
O collar B as shown, Determine
20 in
(a) the tension in the wire when
Q
x = 9 in., (b) the corresponding
z
B x magnitude of the force P required
z to maintain the equilibrium of
the system.

53
 y Problem 2.11
x
Solving Problems on Your Own
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
Q collar B as shown, Determine
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.

54
 y Problem 2.11
x
Solving Problems on Your Own
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
Q collar B as shown, Determine
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.
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.
55
 y Problem 2.11 Solution
x
P _
x i _ (20 in) j + z k
AB = AB
AB = 25 in
A
Draw a free-body diagram of the particle.
O 20 in
Q
z
B x
z Free Body: Collar A
Ny j
S F = 0: P i + Ny j + Nz k + TAB AB = 0

A Substitute for AB and set coefficients

Pi of i equal to zero:
Nz k
_
TAB x
P = 0 (1)
TAB AB 25 56
 Problem 2.11 Solution
Ny j _
TAB AB
Free Body: Collar B

S F = 0: (60 lb) k + Nx i + Ny j _ TAB AB = 0

B
Nx i Substitute for AB and set coefficients
of k equal to zero:
Q = (60 lb) k
_
TAB z
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 = 0 TAB = 125.0 lb
25
(125.0 lb)(9 in)
(b) From eq. (1): P = P = 45.0 lb
25 in
57