Physics Handout #5- Statics

Forces
In physics, a force can be defined as a push or a pull that one object exerts on another
through the mutual interaction between the two objects. The SI unit of force is the Newton
(N). Forces can cause a change in size, shape, or motion of a body. Changes in size and shape
are known as deformation.
Table 5.11 highlights several important forces that are experienced in everyday life.
Force Description
Tension in a rope A rope under tension is taut. This occurs
when the rope is pulled at both ends.
Friction between two surfaces Friction is a force that opposes motion
when two surfaces in contact are moving
with respect to each other.
Weight of an object The weight of an object is caused by the
gravitational pull of the Earth on the object.
Electrostatic force This is the attraction or repulsion between
charges. Like charges repel and opposite
charges attract.
Magnetic force This is the attraction or repulsion between
magnetic poles. Like poles repel whilst
opposite poles attract.
Gravitational force The force of attraction between all masses
in the universe; especially the attraction of
the earth's mass for bodies near its surface.
Strong nuclear force This is the force that holds neutrons and
protons together in the nucleus.

Weight
The weight (W) of a body is the force which is due to gravity acting on it. Its SI unit is
newton (N), it is a vector.
Near the surface of the Earth, the weight of an object is proportional to its mass, given by the
relationship:
Weight= mass x gravitational field strength
In symbols, W=mg
−1
The gravitational field strength, g, near the surface of the Earth, is 9.81 𝑁𝑘𝑔 . It can also be
−2 −1 −2
written as 9.81 𝑚𝑠 . Note that 𝑁𝑘𝑔 ≡ 𝑚𝑠 .

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Turning Effects
If a body under the action of an external resultant force is allowed to rotate about a pivot, the
body will tend to turn in the direction of the applied force. Some examples include:

● A person pushing a swing will make the swing rotate about its pivot.
● A worker applies a force to a spanner to rotate a nut.
● A force is applied to a doorknob and the door swings open about its hinge.
● A driver can turn a steering wheel by applying a force on its rim.

Turning Forces
The turning effect of a force is called a moment, T. The magnitude of the moment is given
by the product of the perpendicular distance between the line of action of the force and the
pivot. The direction of the moment can either be clockwise or anti- clockwise about the pivot
depending on where the force is applied. The SI unit for moment is the newton metre (Nm).
Note that Newton-metre is not equivalent to a Joule in this case, because a Joule is a reserved
unit for energy.
In symbols,
T=Fd
Where F is the force, d is the perpendicular distance between the line of action of force and the
pivot.

Figure 5.11 highlights the method to determine clockwise and anti-clockwise moments.

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 Figure 5.12 illustrates an example of the calculation of the moment of a force.

Principle of Moments
The Principle of Moments is considered one of the most powerful theorems in statics. It is
frequently used to determine the magnitude and directions of forces required to maintain a
system of objects in equilibrium. The Principle of Moments states that when a body is in
equilibrium, the sum of clockwise moments about an arbitrary point is equal to the sum of
anti-clockwise moments about the same point.

Figure 5.13 illustrates the application of the Principle of Moments

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Levers
A lever is defined as a simple machine that makes use of the Principle of Moments whereby
a force or effort is applied at one point on the lever can move the load another point. All
levers have a stationary turning point known as the fulcrum or pivot.
Levers are classified into three classes based on the position of the effort, load, and fulcrum.
● First-class levers- fulcrum is between the effort and load
● Second-class levers- load is between the effort and fulcrum
● Third -class levers- effort between load and fulcrum

Figure 5.14 shows the three different classes of levers.

Figure 5.15 shows the centre of gravity of regularly shaped objects

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Stability
The stability of an object refers to its ability to return to its original position after it has
been tilted. The stability of an object depends on the following factors:
● Size of the base- objects with bigger bases are more stable
● Position of the centre of gravity- objects with a lower centre of gravity are more stable

Figure 5.17: (a) the object is at its original position, (b) stable: line of action of weight inside
base- body returns to its original position, (c) unstable: line of action of weight outside base-
body topples over.

Deformation
A force action on an object can cause it to be deformed. Deformation is the change in shape or
size of an object. Some objects are deformed when a force is applied on them but regain their
original shapes as soon as the force is removed. These objects are said to be elastic, and
examples include rubber bands, springs, and balloons. Objects that are permanently deformed by
a force are said to be inelastic.

Hooke's Law refers to a physics law of elasticity, which states that the force required to stretch an
elastic material (such as a spring) is directly proportional to the distance of the extension or
compression of said material. In mathematical form, force is proportional to extension: F α e or
F= ke where k is the force constant. The SI unit of force constant (also known as the spring
−1
constant) is Newton per metre (𝑁𝑚 ).

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 Figure 5.18 shows a graph of force vs extension

Past Paper Questions:

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