Problem No. 2/1: The magnitude of force F is 500 N.

Express F as a vector in terms of the unit

vector i and j. Identify both the scalar and vector component of F.

Solution:
Here,
Fx = -500 cos60 = -250N
Fy = 500 sin60 = 433N
Again,
F = Fxi + Fyj
or, 500 = (-250i + 433j) N
so, Fx = -250i and Fy = 433 j

Problem No. 2/2: When the load L is 7m from the pivot at C, the tension, T in the cable has a
magnitude of 9 kN. Express T as a vector using the unit vectors i and j.

Solution:
Here, tan = 6/10
So,  = tan-1 (0.6) = 310
Tx = 9 cos 31 = 7.7 kN
Ty = 9 sin 31 = 4.63 kN
So, T = Txi + Tyj
= ( 7.7 i + 4.63 j)
Problem No. 2/10: Determine the scalar components Ra and Rb along the rectangular axes a and b.
Also determine the orthogonal projection Pa of R onto axis a.

Solution:

From Force Diagram, Applying Sine rule

Again,

From the Figure

Pa = RCos30 = 800 Cos 30
 Pa = 693N

Problem No. 2/11: The 20-kN force is to be replaced by two forces F1, directed along the axes a-a,
and F2, which has a magnitude of 18 kN. Determine the magnitude of F1 and
angle , which F2 makes with the horizontal.

Solution: From Force diagram

F1 Cos 60 + 18 Cos 1 = 20 ........................ (1)
And, F1 Sin 60 – 18 Sin 1 = 0 .............................(2)
or, F1 Sin 60 = 18 Sin 1
or, Putting value of F1 in (1)

From (1),

or, Sin 1 Cos 60 + Cos 1 Sin 60 = Sin 60

or, Sin (1 + 60) = 0.962
or, 1 + 60 = Sin-1(0.962) = 74.2
or, 1 = 74.2 – 60 = 14.20
Again, Sin (1800 – (2+60)) = Sin 74.2
or, 2 = 180 – 60 – 74.2 = 45.80
1 = 14.20 and 2 = 45.80

So, For 1 = 14.20, F1 = = 5.1 kN

So, For 2 = 45.80, F1 = = 14.9 kN

Problem No. 2/12: Repeat problem No. 2/11, except let F2 have a magnitude of 25-kN.

Given, F2 = 25 kN, F1 = ?

a. From Fig. a
F1 Cos 60 + 25 Cos  = 20 .................. (1)
And F1 Sin 60 – 25 Sin  = 0 ................... (2)

F1 = ............................. (3)

From (1)
(b) From Fig. (b)
25 Cos  + F1 Cos 120 = 20 ............... (1)
And, 25 Sin  - F1 Sin 120 = 0 ........................ (2)
25 Sin  = F1 Sin 120 = F1 Sin 600

From (1)

 Sin (60 - ) = Sin 43.8

 = 60 – 43.8 = 16.20

Problem No. 2/20: It is desired to remove the spike from the timber by applying the force along its
horizontal axis. An obstructions A prevents direct access, so that two forces,
one 1.6 kN and the other, P are applied by cables as shown. Compute the
magnitude of P necessary to ensure axial tension T along the spike. Also find
T.

Solution:
Here,

We get,

T – P Cos  - 1.6 Cos  = 0

 T = P Cos  + 1.6 Cos 
= 2.15 Cos  + 1.6 Cos 
= 3.2 kN
Problem No. 2/22: The transmission cable AB exerts a 2500N Force on the pole in the direction of
the tangent to the cable at A. Determine the required tension T in the guy wire
AC if the resultant of the two forces at A is to be vertical. Find the magnitude
R of the resultant.

Solution:
, 2500 Cos 20 – AC Sin 30 = 0
 AC Sin 30 = 2500 Cos 20

 AC = = 4698 N

 AC  4700 N
R – 2500 Sin 20 – AC Cos 30 = 0
 R = 2500 Sin 20 + AC Cos 30
 R = 2500 Sin 20 + 4698 Cos 30
 R = 4924 N
 R  4920 N
Problem No. 2/30: A 90-kg man stands on the small footbridge at point B. The man is to be
replaced by two persons one at A and one at C, so that the external effects on the bridge are not to
be altered in the process. What should be the mass of each of the new persons ?
Solution:
mA + mC = 90 kg ………….. (1)

From Fig. (a)

MD = 90 g x 2 = 180 g …….. (2)
From Fig (b)
MD = mc.g.1 + mA.g x 3.5
= mcg + 3.5 mAg …………. (3)
From equation (2) & (3)
180 g = mcg + 3.5 mA.g
180 = mc + 3.5 mA ………….. (4)
From equation (1) & (4)
3.5 mA + mc =180
mA + mc = 90
2.5 mA = 90 (By equation (4) – (1))
mA = 36 kg
mc = 90 – 36 = 54 kg
Problem No. 2/37: Determine the angle  which will maximize the moment Mo of the 200-N force
about the shaft axis at O. Also compute Mo.
Solution:
OC = AD = AB Cos30 = 200 Cos30 = 173.2
BD = AB Sin30 = 200 Sin30 = 100
BC = BD + DC = BD + AO = 100 + 140 = 240

Mo = OB. 200Sin
Mo will be maximum when  = 900
From  ABD, ABD = 60 = +
 = 60 -  = 60 – 35.8 = 24.20
From Fig. ++ = 180
 = 180 -  - 
= 180 – 90 – 24.2 = 65.80
Maximum Moment Mmax = OB. 200 Sin90
= 296 x 200 Nmm
= 59.2 Nm.
Problem No. 2/41: In the slider-crank mechanism shown, the connecting rod AB of length l
supports a variable compressive force C. Derive an expression for the moment
of C about the crank axis O in terms of C, r, l, and the variable angle  .
Solution:
OD = r Cos
Mo = OA.C Sin AD = l Cos
= (OD + AD) C.Sin BD = l Sin
BD = r Sin
= ( r Cos + l Cos) C Sin BD = l Sin = r Sin
as Sin = Sin Sin = Sin
 Cos = )
Mo = C. Sin (r Cos + l Cos)
Cos = )

= C r Sin ( Cos + Cos)

= C r Sin ( Cos + )
Couple
The moment produced by two equal and opposite and noncolinear forces is called couple.
M = F.d.
Sample Problem 2/5: The rigid structural member is subjected to a couple consisting of the two
100-N forces. Replace this couple by an equivalent couple consisting of the
two forces P and – P, each of which has a magnitude of 400 N. Determine
the proper angle .
→F
↕d
M = 100 x 0.1 = 10 N.m. F←
M = 400 x 0.04 Cos  = 10
16 Cos  = 10
Cos = 10/16
 = 51.30

Sample Problem 2/6: Replace the horizontal 400 N force acting on the lever by an equivalent
system consisting of a force and a couple.

M = Fd = 400 x 0.200 Sin 60 = 69.3 Nm

Sample Problem 2/50: Replace the 10-kN force acting on the steel column by a force-couple
system at point O.

M = 10 x 0.075
= 0.75 kNmccw
Problem No. 2/62: Determine the resultant R of the three tension forces acting on the eye bolt.
Find the magnitude of R and the angle x which R makes with the positive x-
axis.

Solution:
Rx =  Fx = 6 + 8 Cos 45 – 15 Cos 30 = - 1.33 kN
Ry =  Fy = 8 Sin 45 + 15 Sin 30 = 13.156 kN

Resultant,

Problem No. 2/64: Determine the height h above the base B at which the resultant of the three
forces acts.

Solution:
R =  Fx = 650 – 300 – 250 = 100 N
 MB = 650 x 600 – 300 x 900 – 250 x 300 = 100 xh
 100 h = 45000 N.mm
 h = 450 mm
Problem No. 2/68: In the equilibrium position shown the resultant of the three forces acting on the
bell crank passes through the bearing O. Determine the vertical force P. Does
the result depend on  ?

At equilibrium
 Mo = 0, P x 250 Cos 20 – 120 x 200 – 80 x 400 = 0

P=

 P = 238 N
Result does not depend on .

Problem No. 2/71: Replace 3 forces and a couple by an equivalent force R at A and a couple M.
M, R = ?
Solution
Rx =  Fx = 4 + 6 + 2.5 Cos 300
= 12.165 kN.
Ry =  Fy = 2.5 Sin 30 = 1.25 kN.

R=

MA = 6 x 0.7 + 4(0.5+0.7) + 5 + 2.5 Cos 30 (0.7 + 0.5 + 0.2) – 2.5 Sin 30 x 0.6
= 16.28 kNm CW

Problem No. 2/72: Determine the resultant R of the three forces and two couples shown. Find the
coordinate x of the point on the x-axis through which R passes.
 Fx = 1.5 – 3 = - 1.5 kN
 Fy = - 2

M0 = 1.5 x 0.2 + 2 x 0.5 – 3 x 0.3 + 0.100 – 0.080

= 0.3 + 1 – 0.9 + 0.02
 = 0.42 kNm
Rd = 0.42
d = 0.42/2.5 = 0.168 m = 168 mm.

Sin 53.10 =

Problem No. 2/74: Determine the y-coordinate of the resultant force & couple that must pass.

 MA = 100 x 0.5 + 60 – 600 Cos 30 x 0.3

= - 45.88 Nm
Rx = 100 – 600 Cos 30 = - 419.62 N
Ry = - 100 – 600 Sin 30 = - 400 N
R=

Three dimensional force systems

l = Cosx m = Cosy, n = Cosz , l2 + m2 + n2 = 1
F = F (li + mj + nk)
n is unit vector
if n has direction cosines ,  & 
n = i + j + k
Fn = F.n = F (li + mj + nk). (i + j + k)
= F (l + m + n)
i.i = i.j = k.k = 1
i.j = j.k = k.i = i.k = j.k = j.i = 0

Sample Problem 2/8: A force F with a magnitude of 100 N is applied at the origin O of the axes x-
y-z as shown. The line of action of F passes through a point A whose coordinates are 3 m, 4m and
5m.
Determine
a) x. y, z scalar component of F
b) the projection of F in X-Y plane.
c) Projection Fn of F along O – n
Solution
a) Diagonal OA =
Direction cosines of F

Fx = Fl = 100 x 0.424 = 42.4 N Fy = Fm = 0.566 x 100 = 56.6 N Fz = Fn = 0.707 x 100 =

70.7N

b)

Fxy = F Cosxy = 100 x 0.707 = 70.7 N

c)  =  =
Thus the projection of F along O-n become
Fn = F.n = 100(0.424i + 0.566j + 0.707k). (0.688i + 0.688j + 0.229k)
= 100 (0.424 x 0.688 + 0.566 x 0.688 + 0.707 x 0.229)
= 84.4 N.

Problem No. 2/82: The y scalar component of the force F is 200 N. Determine the magnitude of F
and its x and z scalar components.
Fy = 200 N
F=
Fx, Fz = ?
Direction cosine of F
l = Cos 40 Sin 50 = 0.587
m = Sin 400 = 0.643
n = Cos 40 Cos 50 = 0.492
Fy = 200 N
Fy = F.m, F =
Fx = Fl = 311 x 0.587 = 182.6 N
Fz = F.n = 311 x 0.492 = 153 N

Problem No. 2/91: The force F has a magnitude of 2 kN and is directed from A to B. Calculate the
projection FCD of F onto line CD and determine the angle  between F and CD.

The force F = 2 kN
Calculate projection Fcd of F onto CD
and angle  between F and FCD.

Solution:

Direction Cosine of F
Direction cosine of unit vector
along CD, n

Angle 
FCD = F Cos 

Cos  =

 = Cos-1 0.5477 = 56.80

Moment

M0 = r x F

M0 = i j k
rx ry rz
Fx Fy Fz
M0 = (ryFz – rzFy) i + (rzFx-rxFz)j + (rxFy – ryFx) k
Sample problem 2/8: A tension T of magnitude 10 kN is applied to the cable attached to the top A
of the rigid mast and secured to the ground at B. Determine the moment M z
of T about the z-axis passing through the base O.
Mz = ?
a)

T = 10(0.566i – 0.707j + 0.424k) kN

= 5.66i – 7.07j + 4.24k
r = 15 j

M= i j k
0 15 0
5.66 -7.07 4.24

M0 = r x F = 15 j x 10(0.566i – 0.707 j + 0.424 k)

= 150 ( -0.566 k + 0.424 i) kN.m
Mz = Mo.k = 150 ( - 0.566 k + 0.424 i ). k = -150 x 0.566 kN.m
= -84.9 kN.m
b) Mz = d.Txy

Txy =

= 9.06 kN
Mz = 9.06 x 9.37 = 84.9 kN.m

c) Mz = Tx.15

= 15 x 5.66 = 84.9 kNm

Problem No. 2/102: If the crane picks up a load at B rather than at A and develops an initial 21-kN
tension T in its cable, determine the moment Mo of this force about the origin
O.
 T = 21 (0.1467i – 0.1467j – 0.978k) kN
r = 18 j + 30 k
M0 = r x T = (18 j + 30 k) x 21 (0.1467 i – 0.1467 j – 0.978k)
= 21 (-18 x 0.1467k – 18 x 0.978i + 30 x 0.1467 j + 30 x 0.1467 i) kNm
= 21 (-2.6406 k – 17.604 i + 4.401 j + 4.401 i ) kNm
= 21 (-13.2 i + 4.4 j – 2.64 k) kNm
= (-277 i + 92.4 j – 55.44 k) kNm
Problem 3/5: What horizontal force P must the worker exert on the rope to position the 50-kg crate
directly over the transport vehicle ?
Solution:

Putting the value of T in equation (1) we get,

 P = 0.25 x 506.7 N
 P = 126.6 N Ans.

Problem 3/8: Determine the angle  at which the force P in the rope should be applied to position
the 250 kg cylinder directly over the opening. Calculate the corresponding tension T
in the 3.9m cable AB. Neglect the mass of the pulley and cable.

Here, Cos =

  = Cos-1
  = 67.380
P = 250 x 9.81 N
= 0, -T Cos 67.38 + P Cos = 0
 T Cos 67.38 = P Cos
 T Cos 67.38 = 250 x 9.81 Cos -------------- (1)
 = 0, T Sin 67.38 – P Sin  - 250 x 9.81 = 0

 0.92 T = 250 x 9.81 Sin  + 250 x 9.81 = 0

 T=

 T = 2665.8(1+Sin) --------------------------- (2)

From equation 1 & 2 we get,
 2665.8(1+Sin) x Cos 67.38 = 250 x 9.81 Cos 
 2.41 Cos  = 1 + Sin 
 5.76 Cos2 = 1 + 2Sin  + Sin2 (squaring both sides)
 5.76 (1 – Sin2) = 1 + 2 Sin + Sin2
 6.76 Sin2 + 2 Sin - 4.76 = 0

 Sin  =

 Sin  =

Taking (-), Sin  = -1

 = -900
But   - 900

Taking (+), Sin  =

 = 44.80 Ans.
From equation (2)
T = 2665.8 (1+Sin 44.8)
 T = 4544 N = 4.54 kN Ans.

Problem 3/9: The cable from A to B is 6 m long and supports the 100-kg crate from the small
pulley. Calculate the tension T in the cable.

 Fy = 0
T Sin  + T Sin  - 100 x 9.81 = 0
T (Sin  + Sin ) = 100 x 9.81 ............ (1)

 Fx = 0
T Cos  - T Cos  = 0
 Cos  = Cos 
=
We know that CO + OD = 4
 AO Cos  + BO Cos  = 4
as  = 
(AO + BO) Cos  = 4
6 Cos  = 4  AO + BO = 6
  = Cos-1
From equation (1) 2T (Sin 48.2) = 100 x 9.81
T = 648 N.

Problem 3/10: Determine the force P required to maintain the 200-kg engine in the position for
which  = 300. The diameter of the pulley at B is negligible.

From Triangle ABC

 +  + 30 = 180
  = (180-30) /2
  = 750

= 0, P Cos - T Cos 30 = 0

T=

 T = 0.29 P N ................................ (1)

= 0, P Sin 75 + T Sin 30 – 200 x 9.81 = 0

 P Sin 75 + T Sin 30 = 1962

 0.965 P + 0.5 T = 1962
 0.965 P + 0.5 x 0.29P = 1962 Putting value of T
 P (0.145 + 0.965) = 1962
 P = 1767 N
 P = 1.77 kN Ans.
Problem No. 3/14: If the screw B of the wood clamp is tightened so that the two blocks are under a
compression of 500 N, determine the force in screw A. (Note: The force
supported by each screw may be taken in the direction of the screw.)

 MA = 0, 150 x 500 – 100 NB = 0

NB =

 Fy = 0, 500 + NB = NA
NA = 500 + 750 = 1250 N

Problem No. 3/16: Determine the tension T in the turnbuckle for the pulley-cable system in terms
of the mass m of the body which it supports. Neglect the mass of the pulleys
and cable.

 Fy = 0, T/4 + T + T + T + T/4 = mg

Problem No. 3/17: Determine the force P that the 80-kg worker must exert on the rope to support
himself in the bosun’s chair. What force R does the man exert on the seat of the
chair ?
According to Fig (1)
 Fy = 0

According to Fig (2)

 Fy = 0, R + 157 – 80 x 9.81 = 0
 R = 80 x 9.81 – 157
= 628 N

Problem No. 3/18: A former student of mechanics wishes to weigh himself but has access only to a
scale A with capacity limited to 400 N and a small 80-N spring dynamometer
B. With the rig shown he discovers that when he exerts a pull on the rope so
that B registers 76 N, the scale A reads 268 N. What is his correct weight W
and mass m ?

 Fy = 0 T/4 + T + R – mg = 0
T/4 + T + 268 – mg = 0 ∵ R = 268 N
T/4 = 76 N, T = 4 x 76 = 304 N
76 + 304 + 268 = mg = w
w = 648 N.
mg = 648N

m=