Bulacan State University

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
City of Malolos, Bulacan

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COE105 – PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS

Chapter 2.0 A
STATIC EQUILIBRIUM

A very basic concept when dealing with forces is the idea of equilibrium. In general, an
object can be acted on by several forces at the same time. If the size and direction of
the forces acting on an object are exactly balanced, then there is no net force acting on
the object and the object is said to be in equilibrium. Because there is no net force
acting on an object in equilibrium, then from Newton's first law of motion, an object at
rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion. If the size of the forces
are not equal then the forces are no longer in equilibrium and the body is accelerating.
Static equilibrium is a state of equilibrium in which the net external force and torque
acting on a system is zero while dynamic equilibrium a state of equilibrium in which the
net external force and torque on a system moving with constant velocity are zero.

FORCE
A force is a pull or push, which produces motion or tends to stop motion. Basically,
there are two types of force. These are the contact and non-contact forces. Contact
forces are the following: applied force, spring force, drag force, frictional force, and
normal force. Non-contact forces are: electric force, gravitational force and magnetic
force.
Motion is one of the more common events in our surroundings. It is what we see
everywhere - a running car, a falling leaf, wind-imposed motion on ships, circular
motion of celestial bodies and so on. Motion is the change in object’s position. How
can we tell that an object moved? To illustrate you look at the hour hand of the clock.
It jumped to another position. You can categorically state it moved because you
considered the initial position of the hour hand your frame of reference.
A frame of reference is to what an observer compares the position of an object. For an they don’t cancel each other because they act on different bodies. Figure shown
observer to say that an object has moved, he must view the object with respect to demonstrate
another object, called his frame of reference. Law of Interaction
In the given diagram, Fr = FhandFR= FB follows Law of interaction but not Fh = FB.
NEWTON’S FIRST LAW OF MOTION – LAW OF INERTIA
where:
Newton’s First Law of Motion predicts the behavior of objects for which all existing
Fh = force applied by the hand on the rope
forces are balanced. The first law - sometimes referred to as the law of inertia – states
that if the forces acting upon an object are Fr = force oppose by the rope on the hand
balanced, then the acceleration of that object will FR= force offered by the rope on the block of wood
be 0 ms-2. Objects at equilibrium will not FB = force offered by the block of wood on the rope
accelerate. According to Newton, an object will
only accelerate, if there is a net or unbalanced
In physics and engineering, a free body diagram(force diagram, or FBD) is a graphical
force acting upon it. The presence of an
illustration used to visualize the applied forces, movements, and resulting reactions on
unbalanced force will accelerate an object –
a body in a given condition.
changing its speed, its direction, or both its speed
and direction.
NORMAL FORCE AND WEIGHT
In other words, if the body is at rest, it stays at
rest. If it is moving, it will continue to move with Normal Force, FN is the force exerted by one surface on
same velocity. another in contact with it. It is always perpendicular to
the contact area.
Inertia is the tendency of an Weight, W is the force of gravity acting on an object due
object to remain in the same to its mass. This is often expressed in the formula W = mg,
state of rest or motion. The where W is the weight force, m the mass of the object,
inertia of the body is closely and g gravitational acceleration.
related to its mass. The larger the Note: The normal force on the flat surface is equal to the weight of the object: FN= W.
mass the larger the inertia is. The Whereas, the normal force on an incline plane is given by: N = Wxcos = mg cos
block of wood with 300 g as compared with marble of 25 g has more inertia.
TENSION FORCE
NEWTON’S THIRD LAW OF MOTION – LAW OF INTERACTION The tension force is defined as the force that is transmitted
It states that whenever one body exerts a force on a second body, the second body through a rope, string or wire when pulled by forces acting from
exerts an opposite directed force of equal magnitude on the first body or “for every opposite sides. The tension force is directed over the length of
action there is an equal but opposite reaction and these forces are acting at common wire and pulls energy equally on the bodies at the ends.
point.” Even though The cord is often said to be massless and stretchable. The
action and reaction cord exists only as a connection between two bodies. The pulley
forces are equal and can also be regarded as massless and frictionless pulley.
oppositely directed,
COMPRESSION FORCE
The compression force or compressive force is an internal reaction of a rigid body to an
external pushing force being exerted on the body opposing the tension force.
FRICTIONAL FORCE or FRICTION TABLE 2.1Coefficients of Frictions
Friction refers to an actual force that arises to oppose relative motion between s k
contacting surfaces. This force is directed along the surface, opposite the direction of steel on steel 0.74 0.57
the intended motion. aluminum on steel 0.61 0.47
Two types of friction force, the static frictional force and kinetic frictional force are our copper on steel 0.53 0.36
concern in this topic.
rubber on concrete 1.0 0.80
 Static Friction Force is the force exerted on the surface by another when there is no
motion between the two surfaces. This makes it difficult to start a heavy box moving a wood and wood 0.25-0.50 0.20
rough surface. glass on glass 0.94 0.40
This friction force acts in response to a force trying to cause a stationary object to start metal on metal (lubricated) 0.15 0.06
moving. If there is no force parallel to the ground and no tendency to move, the static Waxed wood on wet snow - 0.04
friction force is zero. If the body does not move, then the static frictional force fs and Ice on ice 0.10 0.03
the component F that is parallel to the surface balance each other. They are equal in
magnitude and fs is directed opposite that component F. Then fs = F
If there is a force trying to cause motion, the static friction force will increase up to a
maximum value before it is overcome and motion starts. Therefore, the magnitude fs of
the static frictional force can have any value from zero up to a maximum value of fsmax,
depending on the applied force. In other words, fs<fsmax, where:
fsmax =s FN
where: s = coefficient of static friction and FN = normal force 
Coefficient of Static Friction is the ratio of the magnitude of two forces static friction Kinetic
force and normal force and is therefore unit less. The value depends on the type of Frictional Force also known as dynamic or sliding frictionis a force that acts between
material from which each surface is made (steel on wood, rubber on concrete, etc.) the moving surfaces. An object that is being moved over a surface will experience a force in
condition of the surfaces (polished, rough, smooth, lubricated, etc.) and other qualities the opposite direction as its movement. The magnitude of fKof the kinetic frictional
such as temperature. force is given by equation:fkmax =k FN
If the magnitude of the component F that is parallel to the surface exceeds fsmax, then The magnitude of the force depends on the coefficient of kinetic friction between the
the body begins to slide along the surface. two kinds of material. It is nearly independent of the area of contact for a wide range of
To prevent object in an incline plane to move downward, the force F must be areas.If the body begins to slide along the surface, the magnitude of the frictional force
directed upward and the frictional force fs must be with the direction of the force F. rapidly decreases. Thus, s is noticeably larger than k
Table 2.1 shows coefficients of friction between two contacting surfaces:
FIRST CONDITION OF EQUILIBRIUM cos /s- sin) (cos 30.0o/0.35 – sin30.0 o)
If a body is in equilibrium, the sum of the forces acting on it must be zero. Example 2.2. A crate of weight 500.0 N is hung by
F = 0; Fx = 0; Fy = 0; Fz = 0 means of two cables which make 55.0 o and 32.0o
The first condition involves only forces and is therefore independent of where the origin with the horizontal. Find the tension in the two
of the reference frame is placed. cables.
Example 2.1. A 500.0 N box is resting on rough horizontal floor for which the Solution:
coefficient of friction is 0.350. Find the force P needed to cause motion to impend if Fx= T1cos 55.0o – T2 cos
applied to the box (a) horizontally and (b) downward at 30.0 o with the horizontal. 32.0 o = 0

T2 cos 32.0 o
T 1=
cos 55.0o
Fy= T1 sin 55.0o + T2 sin 32.0o –W = 0
W - T2 sin 32.0o
T1=
sin 55.0o
Solution: T2 cos 32.0o W - T2 sin 32.0o
o =
cos 55.0 sin 55.0o

T2 tan 55.0ocos 32.0o = W - T2 sin 32.0o

W 500.0 N
T2 = tan 55.0ocos 32.0o+ sin 32.0o = tan 55.0ocos 32.0o+ sin 32.0o = 287.2 N
W - T2 sin 32.0o 500.0 N – 287.2 N sin 32.0o
T1= = = 424.6 N
(a) Fy= 0; FN –W = 0; FN = W= 500.0 N sin 55.0o sin 55.0o
Fx= 0; fs – P = 0; P = fs= s FN = 0.35 x 500.0 N = 175.0 N
(b) Fx= 0; fs – P cos= 0; fs = P cos = s FN Example 2.3: The sign below hangs outside the physics classroom. The sign is
FN = fs/s = P cos /s supported by a diagonal cable and a rigid horizontal bar. If the sign has a mass of 50.00
Fy= 0; FN –W – P sin = 0; kg, then determine the tension in the diagonal cable that supports its weight and the
P cos /s –W - P sin = 0; W = P (cos /s- sin) compression force in the rigid horizontal bar.
P= W = 500.0 N = 253.2 N
 FBD1 FBD2

For FBD1:
Fy= FN –W1 = 0; FN = W1
Fx = 0; T – fs = 0; T = fs = s FN = sW1 = sm1g
For FBD2:
Fy= T –W2 = 0; T = W2 = m2g
m2g = sm1g
m 2 =0.550 x 84.0 kg = 46.2 kg
Solution:
Fx= 0; C – T cos 30.0 o = 0; C = T cos 30.0 o
Fy= 0 T sin 30.0o- W = 0;
Example 2.5. Given three objects of weights W 1, W2 and
W 490.0 N W3 as shown in the illustration. The system is in
T= = = 980.0 N
sin30.0o sin 30.0 o
equilibrium. If W1 = 120.0 N, determine the values of W 2
o o
C = T cos 30.0 = 980.0 N cos 30.0 = 848.7 N and W3.

Example 2.4. An 84.0 kg container box is resting on a Solution:

wooden support, as shown in the drawing. The coefficient
of static friction between the box and the support top is
0.550. What is the maximum mass of the hanging box for Wx= -W1+ W3 cos 57.0 o = 0
which the system will remain at rest? Assuming frictionless W1= W3 cos 57.0 o
pulley. W1 120.0
W 3= = = 220.3 N
cos 57.0o cos 57.0o
Solution: Wy= W3 sin 57o-W2 = 0
W2= W3sin 57.0 o = 220.3 N sin 57.0o = 184.5 N

Example 2.6. The weight of the

block of wood in the illustration is
96.5N. The coefficient of static
friction between the block
ofood and the vertical wall is
0.450. What minimum force is
required (a) to prevent the block from sliding down the wall? (b) to start the block The torque is positive if the force tends to rotate the object counter clockwise about
moving up the wall? the origin and negative if it tends to rotate the object clockwise.
Solution: Example 2.7: Find the torque produced by the 300.0
N force applied at an angle of 60.0o to the door.
(a) Fx = Fsin 35.0o – FN = 0; FN = F sin 35.0o
Solution:
Fy= Fcos 35.0o+ fs -W = 0; W = Fcos 35o+ f A convenient and obvious location for the axis of
f = sFN ; W = Fcos 35o+ s FN = Fcos 35.0o + sF sin 35.0o rotation is the hinge of the door.
Fx = 300.0 cos 60.0o = 150.0 N
W 96.5 N
F= = = 89.6 N Fy = 300.0 sin 60.0o = 260.0 N
o
cos 35.0 +ssin 35.0 o
cos 35.0 + x sin 35.0o
o
The 150.0 N produces zero torque
about an axis of rotation, because the line
(b) Fx = Fsin 35.0o – FN = 0; FN = F sin 35.0o
along which the force acts passes through
Fy= Fcos 35.0o- f -W = 0; W = Fcos 35.0o- f the axis of rotation and therefore, the lever arm is zero. The 260.0 N force has a lever
f = sFN ; W = Fcos 35.0o- s FN= Fcos 35.0o - sF sin 35.0o arm of 2.0 m and thus produces a torque of  = 200.0 N x 2.0 m = + 520 N m
The plus sign indicates the door rotates in the counterclockwise rotation.
W 96.5 N
F= = = 172.0 N Example 2.8: A uniform ladder
cos 35.0o - ssin 35.0o cos 35.0o - x sin 35.0o
weighing 100.0 N leans against a
smooth vertical wall with its lower
Torque (Rotational Equilibrium)
end resting on a rough floor, the
To completely satisfy an object in mechanical equilibrium the following conditions
ladder making an angle of 70.0o
must meet:
with the horizontal. Find the force
 If such an object is initially at rest with respect to an observer, it remains at rest. If
by the wall on the ladder, R and
the object is initially moving with respect to the observer, the objects’ velocity
the force exerted by the floor at
remains constant. Such an object was said to be in equilibrium. (First Conditions of
the lower end of the ladder, G.
Equilibrium)
F = 0; Fy= 0; Fy= 0 Solution:
 If an object is in rotational equilibrium, the net torque acting on it about any axis
must be zero. (Second Conditions of Equilibrium) Fy = Gy -100.0 = 0 ; Gy = 100.0 N
= 0 Fx = Gx –R = 0 ; Gx = R
TORQUE is the tendency of a force to cause an object to rotate or turn. It is the product  = R (L sin70.0o) - 100.0 (L/2 cos 70.0o) = 0
of the magnitude of the force and moment arm/lever arm. R (L sin70.0o) = 100.0 (L/2 cos 70.0o)
= F x l 50.0 cos 70.0 o
Where:  = torque about an axis F = applied force l = moment arm/lever arm R= = 18.20 N
sin 70.0o
Moment arm is the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of G = (Gx2 + Gy2)½ = 101.6 N
action of the force.  = tan-1Gy/Gx
= tan-1100.0/18.20 = 79.7o
Answer: R = 18.20 N; G = 101.6 N at 79.7o counterclockwise on the x axis  = tan-1 Gy/Gx = tan-11300.0/745.2 = 63.6o
Example 2.9: A uniform 10.0m long, 50.0 N ladder rests against a Answers: R = 745.2 N, toward the y-axis;
smooth vertical wall. If the ladder is just on the verge of slipping G = 1498 N, 63.6ocounter-clockwise from the x-axis
when it makes a 50.0o angle with the ground, find the coefficient of Example 2.11: A diver whose weight is 735.0 N is
static friction between the ladder and ground. posed at the right and of a diving board, whose length
is 3.00 m. The board has a negligible weight and is
Solution:Fx = fs - R = 0 ; fs = R bolted down at the left and while being supported 1.2
Fy = FN –WL = 0 ; FN =WL 50.0 N m away by a fulcrum. Determine the forces F b and Ff
 = R(10.0sin 50.0o) - 50.0 N (5.0cos 50.0o) = 0 that bolt and the fulcrum exert on the board.
R = 21.0 N
fs = R = µFN= 21.0 N Solution:
fs Fy = Ff - Fb - 735.0 = 0 ; Ff = Fb+ 735.0
µ s= = 0.42
FN f = Fb (1.2) - 735.0(1.8 ) = 0
Example 2.10: A uniform 8.00 m ladder of weight, W L =
Fb= 1103N
400.0 N leans against a smooth vertical wall. A person,
whose weight, WP= 900.0 N stands 6.70 m from the bottom Ff = Fb + 735.0 = 1103 + 750.0 = 1838 N
of the ladder. Determine the forces that the wall and the
ground exert on the ladder.
Answer: Fb= 1103 N, downward; Ff = 1838N, upward

Example 2.12: A horizontal uniform beam AB, 4.0 m

long and weighing 150.0 N, is supporting a weight of
250.0 N as shown. What is (a) the tension in the rod, T;
(b) compression of beam, C; and hinge reaction
components, Rhx and Rhy?

Solution: Solution:
Fy = Gy -400.0 -900.0 = 0 ; Gy = 1300.0 N  = T sin  (4.0) - 150.0 (2.00) - 250.0 (3.0)= 0
Fx = Gx –R= 0 ; Gx = R
 = R(8.00sin52.0 ) - 400.0 (4.00cos 52.0o) - 900.0 (6.70cos 52.0o) = 0
o

400.0 (4.00 cos 52.0 o) + 900.0 (6.70 cos 52.0 o)

R= = 745.2 N
8.00 sin 52.0o
G = (Gx2 + Gy2)½ = (745.22 + 13002 +)½ = 1498.4 N T= 150.0 (2.00) + 250.0 (3.0) = 437.5 N
 (3/5) (4.0) Answers: B = 269.0 N; µ = 0.70

Example 2.14:A 50.0 N weight is held in a

at B:Fx= C -T cos  = 0 ; C = T cos  = 437.5 (4/5) = 350.0 N person’s hand with the forearm horizontal as
shown. The bicep muscle is attached 0.030 m
at A: from the joint, and the weight is 0.350 m from the
Fx = Rhx - C = 0 ; Rhx = 350.0 N joint. Find the upward force exerted by the biceps on
Fy= Rhy –150.0 –250.0 +T sin = the forearm (the ulna), F and the downward force
0 exerted by the humerus on the forearm, R acting at the joint. Neglect the weight of
Rhy = 400.0 - 437.5 (3/5) = 137.5 N the forearm.

Answer: T = 437.5 N; C = 350.0 N; Rhx = 350.0 N; Rhy = 137.5 N

Solution:
Example 2.13: The 200.0 kN symmetrical barrel shown is
positioned at rest on the 35.0 o inclined planed by a weight B Fy = 0 = F – R – W ; F – R = W = 50.0 N
suspended from a cable wrapped around the barrel. If
F = 50.0 (0.32 ) - R (0.030 ) = 0; R = 533 N
slipping impends, find weight B and the coefficient of friction.
Solution: R = F (0.030 ) - 50.0 (0.350 ) = 0; F = 583 N
Answers: R = 533 N, downward; F = 583 N upward
Center of Gravity. The force of gravity on solid can be considered to act at a single point
called the center of gravity (cg). It is the point at which the weight can be considered to
act when calculating the torque due to the weight. It is also the point at which the
Fy = 0 = FN – B cos weight is concentrated.
- W cos  ; FN = B cos + W cos 
Fx = 0 =B sin + Wsin  - f ; f = B sin + W sin If the body is symmetrical or uniform such as baseball, its center of gravity is at its
= µFN geometric center. An unsymmetrical body such as human body will have a cg closer to
the more massive part of the body.
0 = B (1.0 ) - f (1.0 ) = 0; B = f
Ways of Finding the Center of Gravity of Regular or Irregular shape object:
f = B sin + W sin  ; B = B sin + W sin 
 Plumb Line Method. Suspend the object from any two close locations and drop
B( 1-sin) = W sin
200.0 sin 35.0 o
plumb lines from the suspension points. The intersection of the two lines is the
B= = 269.0 N center of mass.
( 1 – sin35.0o)
sin (B + W)  Analytical Method (using the torque and equilibrium concepts)
µ= = tan 35.0 o = 0.70
cos (B + W)
Procedures: 5.00 kg + 2.00 kg + 4.00 kg + 2.00 kg
= 0.115 m
1. Imagine the object into two or more separate elements whose cg’s are known.
2. Consider the balance point of the assembly using torque concept.
Center of Gravity of composite object along the x-axis using weight.

 m1x1 + m2x2 + m3x3 + …..

xcg = =
m m1 + m2 + m3 ……
If y and z axis is involved:
m1y1 + m2y2 + m3y3 + m4y4
 m1y1 + m2y2 + m3y3 + ….. ycg =
ycg = = m1 + m 2 + m 3 + m 4
m m1 + m2 + m3 …… 5.00kg (0.00 m) + 2.00kg (0.00 m) + 4.00kg (0.00 m) + 2.00kg (0.25 m)
=
5.00 kg + 2.00 kg + 4.00 kg + 2.00 kg
 m1z1 + m2z2 + m3z3 + ….. = 0.038 m
zcg = =
m m1 + m2 + m3 …… Answer: cg (0.115 m, 0.038)
Calculation of center of gravity involving other quantities like area, volume length can
also be attained:
 A1x1 + A2x2 + A3x3 + …..
xcg = =
m A1 + A2 + A3 ……
Example 2.15: Four particles are located in a coordinate system as shown. Find the
center of gravity for this system of four particles.

Example 2.16: Determine the center of gravity of the L-shape glass as shown

Solution:
m1x1 + m2x2 + m3x3 + m4x4
xcg =
m1 + m 2 + m 3 + m 4
= 5.00kg (-0.500 m) + 2.00kg (0.00 m) + 4.00kg (1.00 m) + 2.00kg (0.00 m)
 d2  (15.002)
A2= = = 176.715 cm2 x2 = 35.00 cm y2 = 35.00 cm
4 4
AT= A1 + A2 =2.5 x 103 cm2 - 176.715 cm2 = 2323.285 cm2

Solution:
A1 = 1.0 m x 1.0 m = 1.0 m2 x1 = 1.5 m y1 = 0.5 m = =24.239 cm
A2 = 4.0 x 1.0 m = 4.0 m2 x2 = 0.5 m y1 =2.0 m
AT= A1 + A2 =1.0 +4.0 m =5.0 m2

Answer: cg ( 24.239 cm, 24.239 cm)

A1x1 +A2 x2 1.0 m2 (1.5 m) + 4.0 m2(0.5 m)

x= = = 0.7 m
AT 5.0 m2
A1y1 + A2y2 1.0 m2 (0.5 m) + 4.0 m2(2.0 m) Supplementary Problems:
y= = =1.7 m
AT 5.0 m2 2.1 What weight Wc is necessary
Example 2.17: Given a figure of metallic square sheet of uniform thickness of having a to start the system of blocks
dimensions of 50.00 cm x 50.00 cm with a small circular portion cut from it. This portion shown, If the blocks slow
has a diameter of 15 cm from the side of the sheet. Point the center of gravity of the moving at constant speed to
remaining portion. the right. The coefficient of
friction is 0.150 on all
Solution: surfaces, and the pulleys are
assumed to be frictionless.
A1 = 50.00 cm x 50.00 cm = 2.5 x 10 3 cm2 x1 = 25.00 cm y1 = 25.00 cm Answer: Wc = 561 N
 2.7 A uniform semicircular sign 1.00 m in diameter and of
2.2. Block A weighs 500.0 N and block B weighs weight W is supported by two wires as shown. What is the
280.0 N. Block A is held by a cord fastened tension in each wires supporting the sign. Answers: T (left) =
to the wall. Force P is applied on B to drag it 1/3 W; T (right) = 2/3 W
to the left at constant speed. The coefficient
2.8. Find the center of gravity of the composite body in the
of friction between A and B is 0.300 and
figure shown. Answer: cg(9.75 inch, 4.45 inch)
that between B and the floor is 0.320. Find
the following (a) the normal force exerted
by A on B, FNA (b)the tension in the cord
attached to A, T. (c) the frictional force exerted by B on A, fsB

2.3. The cable and boom system support a load of 555.0

N. Determine the tensile force T in the cable and
the compressive force C in the boom.
2.4. To pull an engine out of car, one end is tied to the
engine at B. A pull force of 600.0 N is exerted to
2.9. A horizontal
center point 0 of the chain and perpendicular to
bar 10.0 m long and of negligible weight rests
AB. Determine the tension T in the chain when
on rough inclined as shown in figure. If the
angle AOB is 150.0o Answer: T = 1159 N
angle of friction is 15.0, how far from B may
the 200.0 kN force must be applied before
2.5 The 800.0 N crate shown is in contact with a 45.0 o
motion impends? Answer: x = 3.5 m
incline plane. The coefficient of static friction is 0.25.
Compute the value of the horizontal force P necessary
to just to start the crate up the incline plane. Answer:
P = 1333 N

2.6 A uniform horizontal 300.0 N beam, 5.00 m long, is

attached to a wall by a pin connection that
allows the beam to rotate. Its far end is
supported by a cable that makes an angle of
53.0 with the horizontal. If a 600.0 N person
stands 1.50 m from the wall, find the tension
in the cable and the force exerted by the wall
on the beam. Answers: T = 413.0 N; Rx =
249.0 N; Ry = 570.0 N