The University of Zambia

School of Natural Sciences

Department of Physics
PHY 1015
Lecture 7
Equilibrium
Mr. Gift L. Sichone
Phone : +260764036560
Email : giftsichone@gmail.com
September 22, 2022

Introduction
This lesson introduces the subject of equilibrium. Equlibrium focusses on the
study of objects at rest or moving with constant velocity. In both cases, the
objects under investigation experience zero acceleration.

Learning Outcomes
The student should be able to:

1. define concurrent forces and coplanar forces

2. state the first condition of static equilibrium and use it to solve problem;
3. define and apply the moment of a force;
4. state the second condition of static equilibrium and use it to solve problem;

Equilibrium under action of system of forces

System of forces
Several forces act on a body in in a number of ways. This is referred to as a
system of forces. The net forces of a system of forces can be zero or no zero.

1
If the net force is zero, then the body does not accelerate and stays at rest or
continues to move at constant speed. On the other hand, if the net force is
nonzero i.e. not equal to zero, then the body will accelerate.
The forces making up this system of forces can either be concurrent forces
or coplanar forces. Concurrent forces are forces whose lines of action all
pass through a common point. Recall that forces have size and direction. A
force always acts along a particular line. On the otherhand, coplanar forces
are forces which lie in the same plane.
In this lesson, we are interested in the study of equlibrium particularly static
and kinetic equlibrium. Static equilibrium is simply the study of objects at
rest and continue to remain at rest. On the other hand, kinetic equilibrium
is the study of objects that are moving at constant velocity. In both cases, these
objects are not accelerating because they experience no external net force (i.e.
Newton’s First Law of Motion)

The First Condition of Equilibrium

The first condition of equilibrium states that the resultant or net force of all
external forces acting on an object must be zero. This applies to all the forces
acting in the x and y- directions. In simple words, the sum of all the forces
acting on an object in the x-direction must be equal to zero. Similarly, the sum
of all the forces acting on a object in the y-direction must be equal to zero. This
is a first and necessary requirement for any object to remain at rest.
X X X
F = 0, Fx = Fy = 0
By convention, we give the all forces pointing in the positive x−axis a + sign
and all the forces pointing in the negative x-direction a - sign. Similarly, we give
all forces pointing in the positive y−axis a + sign and all the forces pointing in
the negative y-direction a - sign. With this convention, since the weight of an
object always points downwards, weight always has a - sign.

Problem Solving with the First Condition of Static Equi-

librium
1. isolate the object being discussed.
2. show the forces acting on the isolated object in a free-body diagram. In
physics, a free-body diagram is a graphical diagram used to visualize forces
and moments acting on a body in a given condition.
3. find the x− and y−components of each force and put them in a table of
components.
4. write the first condition of static equilibrium in equation form in the x
and y-directions.
5. solve for the required forces.

2
The torque or Moment of a force
A force can also be used to turn an object depending on how it is applied. This
is the case when two people seat at both ends of a seesaw balanced on a pivot.
Watch on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdKdPAjrnNo) The
persons seated on the seesaw using their weight can cause it to turn either
clockwise or anticlockise. So the turning effect produced by the weight of the
persons has direction i.e. clockise or anticlockwise. The ammount of turning
effect i.e. size or magnitude is found to depend on the weight of the persons
and on the distance of the weight from the pivot. Thus the ammount of turning
effect can be measured.In Physics and Engineering, the turning effect of a force
is referred to as torque or momment of a force and is denoted τ . Since the
torque has magnitude and direction, it is a vector quantity.
In Physics, torque is defined as the product of the force and lever arm
about a pivot. In turn, the lever arm is defined as the perpendicular distance
from the pivot to the line of action of the force. In other wards, lever arm is
the distance from the pivot that makes a 90◦ to the line of action of the force.
The lever arm is given by r sin θ where θ is the angle between the line from the
pivot to the point of action of the force and the line of action of the force.
Therefore, we obtain the torque as

τ = F r sin θ
where r sin θ is the lever arm. The above expression can be rewritten in terms
of a special kind of multiplication called cross product. Thus, we can written
the torque as
τ = F r sin θ = F × r
where the × sign denotes cross product. Since τ is vector, we conclude that the
cross product of two vectors F and r always results in a vector. In the case of
work done, we defined work as

W = F s cos θ = F · s

This kind of multiplication where two vectors F and s are multiplied with cos θ
is referred to a dot product and is denoted with ·. The dot product of any
two vectors like F and s is a scalar quantity.
The SI units of torque τ are Newton-meters (N· m).

The sign convention for torques

Torques are assigned + and - signs to denote direction. A toque that tends
to cause counterclockwise rotation about an pivot or axis of rotation is
positive. A torque that tends to cause clockwise rotation about a pivot is
negative.

3
 Pivot or Axis of Rotation
The position of the pivot or axis of rotation is chosen arbitary. However,
note that the torque about the pivot is always zero. Any particular
unknown force exerts zero torque, if it line of action passes through the pivot
and therefore does not appear in the torque equation.

Center of Gravity
An object with mass on Earth always feels the pull of gravity downwards i.e.
weight. However, the entire weight of an object maybe considered to be concen-
trated at a point on the object called center of gravity denoted CG or center
of mass denoted CM. The weight of the object is a force and all forces have
size and act in a particular direction i.e. line of action. The line of action of the
weight of an object always passes through its center of gravity.

The second condition of static equilibrium

The second condition of static equilibrium is concerned with torque. As you
are now aware, torque refers tro the turning effect of a force. Thus, if a forces
cause an object to turn, that object cannot be at rest. Therefore, for an object
to continue to be at rest therefore, at static equlibrium, the turning effect of all
the forces acting on the object must add up zero i.e. they should produce no
turning effect.
The second condition of static equilibrium states that the sum of all the
clockwise torques and anticlockwise torques acting on the object must be zero
X X X
τ= τclockwise + τanticlockwise = 0

The clockise torques are assigned a - sign and the clockwise torques are
assigned a - sign.

Solving problema with the second condition of static equi-

librium
1. isolate the object being discussed.
2. show the forces acting on the isolated object in a free-body diagram.
3. identify and isolate all the forces causing clockwise and anticlockwise
torques. Note that all forces whose line of action passes through the pivot
does not produce torque.
4. write the second condition of static equilibrium for clockwise and anti-
clockwise torques.
5. solve for the required quantities.

4
Example 1
1. In Figure. 1 , the tension in the horizontal cord is 30 N. Find the
weight of the object.

Figure 1

Fig. 1 shows a system of 3 cord each with its own value of tension. Let the
unknown tensions in cord 1 and cord 2 be denoted T~1 and T~2 respectively. We
denote the known tension in the third cord as T~3 = 30 N.
We choose the horizontal as the x-axis and the right side as the positive
x-axis. We also choose the vertical as the y-axis and up as the negative y-axis.
Thereafter, we proceed to find the x and y- components of the tensions
shown the the figure. These are shown in Table 1.
For this system to be in equlibrium, it must satisfy the first condition of
static equilibium at the point P in the x and y-axis.
Therefore, we first force the x-components of all the 3 tensions to add up to
zero. X
Fx = 0
X
Fx = 0 N + (−0.77T2 ) + 30 N = 0
We get
0.77T2 = 30 N

30 N
T2 = ≈ 39 N
0.77

5
 Table 1: Vector components of tensions

vector x-component y-component

T~1 T1 cos 270◦ = 0 N T1 sin 270◦ = −T1

T~2 T2 cos 140◦ = −0.77T2 T2 sin 140◦ = 0.64T2

T~3 (30 N) cos 0◦ = 30 N (30 N) sin 0◦ = 0 N

Next we force the the y-components of all the 3 tensions to add up to zero.
X
Fy = 0

X
Fy = −T1 + 0.64T2 + 0 N = 0

T1 = 0.64T2
Substituting for T2 , we get

T1 = 0.64(39 N) ≈ 25 N
Since the object remains motionless, the tension in cord 1 is equal to the
weight of the object FW . Therefore, we have

FW = T1

FW = 25 N
The object weighs 25 N.

Example 2
In Figure 2 , a 50 N box is slid straight across the floor at constant
speed by a force of 25 N.
(a) How large a friction force impedes the motion of the box?
The box in Figure 2 is being acted upon by a number of forces. Its being
pulled by a tension FT = 25 N at an angle of θ = 40◦ . tTere is friction force
Ff opposing the motion of the box on the floor. The box exerts a weight Fw on
the floor and the floor reacts by pushing back with FN . These forces and their
components are shown in Table 2.

6
 Table 2: Vector components of forces acting on pulled box

vector x-component y-component

F~T FT cos 40◦ = (25 N) cos 40◦ = 19.2 N FT sin 40◦ = (25 N) sin 40◦ = 16.1 N

F~f Ff cos 180◦ = −Ff Ff sin 180◦ = 0 N

F~N FN cos 90◦ = 0 N FN sin 90◦ = FN

F~W FW cos 270◦ = 0 N FW sin 270◦ = −FW

From Table 2, in the x-direction there is no acceleration since the box slides
at constant speed. Therefore, the net resultant in the x-direction is equal to
zero. Therefore, we have
X
Fx = 0

19.2 N + (−Ff ) + 0 N + 0 N = 0

19.2 N − Ff = 0
Ff = 19.2 N
The friction force Ff is 19.2 N
(b). How large is the normal force?
From Table 2, in the y-direction there is no acceleration. Therefore, the net
resultant in the y-direction is equal to zero.
Therefore, we have
X
Fy = 0

16.1 N + 0 N + (−FW ) + FN = 0

16.1 N + 0 N − 50 N + FN = 0

−33.9 N + FN = 0

FN = 33.9 N
The normal force FN is 33.9 N

7
 (c) Find µk between the box and the floor.
The friction force Ff is given by

Ff = µk FN

where µk is the coefficient of kinetic friction and FN is the normal force.

We get the coefficient of kinetic friction µk as
Ff
µk =
FN
We get µk as
19.2 N
µk = = 0.57
33.9 N
The coefficient of kinetic friction µk is 0.57

Figure 2

Example 3
The object in Fig. 3 is in equilibrium. Find the normal force FN .
We choose the direction parallel to the inclined plane to be the x-direction
and the direction perpendicular to the inclined plane to be the y-direction. The
box is exerting a weight FW = 200 N on the inclined plane at an angle θ. The
inclined plane is “not happy” about this so pushes back with normal force FN .
The weight of the box has two components along the x and y-directions. The
component of the weight along the y-direction is counter balanced by the normal
force FN . The component of the weight along the x-direction is counter balanced
by the friction force Ff so that the box stays motionless. This information is
presented in Table 3.

8
 Figure 3: Motionless box on incline

Table 3: Forces on acting on motionless box on incline

vector x-component y-component

F~W (200 N) cos θ (200 N) sin θ

F~N FN cos 90◦ = 0 N FN sin 90◦ = FN

F~f Ff cos 0◦ = Ff Ff sin 0◦ = 0 N

Applying the first condition of static equilibrium in the x-direction, we get

X
Fx = 0

(200 N) cos θ + 0 N + Ff = 0
This gives us,
Ff = −(200 N) cos θ
Similarly, applying the first condition of static equilibrium in the y-direction,
we get X
Fy = 0
This gives us
(200 N) sin θ + FN + 0 N = 0

9
 FN = −(200 N) sin θ

Example 4
Pulled by the 8.0 N block shown in Fig. 4, the 20 N block slides to
the right at a constant velocity. Find µk between the block and the
table. Assume the pulley to be frictionless.

Figure 4

The box exerts a weight of 20 N on the table and the table exerts back a
normal force FN on the box. The 20 N box is being pulled at constant velocity
by tension FT 2 but this motion is being opposed by friction between the box
and the table Ff . Since the box is not accelerating, there is no net force along
the x-direction i.e. direction parallel to the table. Therefore, the tension FT 2
must be equal but opposite to the friction force Ff . This information on the
forces acting on the box is presented in the Table 4
Applying the first condition of static equilibrium in the x-direction, we get
X
Fx = 0

We get
0 N + 0 N + FT 2 + Ff = 0
This gives us the friction force as

Ff = −FT 2

10
 Table 4: Table of vector components of forces acting on box

vector x-component y-component

F~W 0N 20 N

F~N 0N FN

F~T 2 FT 2 0N

F~f Ff 0N

Table 5: Table of vector components of forces acting on block

vector x-component y-component

F~W 0N 8.0 N

F~T 1 0N FT 1

Similarly, applying the first condition of static equilibrium in the y-direction,

we get X
Fy = 0
We get
20 N + FN + 0 N + 0 N = 0
This gives the normal force as

FN = −20 N

The block hanging from the pully is connected to the same rope that is
pulling the box. Therefore, the block also falls at constant speed thus does not
accelerate. There is not net force acting on the block. The forces acting on the
block are the weight of the block FW = 8.0 N and the tension in the rope FT 1 .
Since there is no acceleration, these forces must balance for the block to fall at
constant speed. This information is presented in Table
Applying the first condition of static equilibrium on the block in the y-
direction, we get X
Fy = 0

11
 We get
8.0 N + FT 1 = 0
We get the tension in the rope as

FT 1 = −8.0 N

The tensions on both sides of the pulley are equal in magnitude but opposite
in direction. Since we know the size of tension FT 1 as 8.0 N, then we also know
the size of the tension FT 2 which must also be 8.0 N.
Therefore, we get the friction force as

Ff = −FT 2 = −(8.0 N)

This gives us the friction force as

Ff = −(8.0 N)

The friction force in terms of normal force and coefficient of kinetic friction
is given by
Ff = µk FN
Therefore, we can get the coefficient of kinetic friction µk as
Ff
µk =
FN
−8.0 N
µk =
−20 N
µk = 0.4

Example 5
In Fig. 5, the pulleys are frictionless and the system hangs at equi-
librium. If FW 3 , the weight of the object on the right, is 200 N, what
are the values of FW 1 and FW 2 ?
The tensions in the ropes attached to the weights are opposite but equal in
magnitude to the weights loaded on the ends of the loads FW 3 , FW 1 and FW 2 .
Since the weight of load FW 3 = 200 N, therefore the tension in the connected
rope is equal to FT 3 = 200 N. Similarly, the tension in the rope connected to
load FW 2 is FT 2 and the tension connected to the load FW 1 is FT 1 . Beyond the
pulley, the tension on the other side of the pully is equal but opposite to that
on the other of the pulley. Therefore, the tension in the rope making the angle
θ = 35◦ is FT 3 = FW 3 = 200 N. Similarly, the tension the rope making the
angle θ = 50◦ is FT 3 . These three tension act on a knot where these ropes join.
The forces acting on the note and keeping ot motionless are presented in
Table 6
Applying the first condition of static equilibrium in the x-direction, we get
X
Fx = 0

12
 Figure 5

Table 6: Table of vector components of forces acting on knot of rope

vector x-component y-component

F~T 3 FT 3 sin 35◦ = (200 N) sin 35◦ = 115 N FT 3 cos 35◦ = (200 N) cos 35◦ = 164 N

F~T 2 −FT 2 sin 50◦ = −0.77FT 2 FT 2 cos 50◦ = 0.64FT 2

F~T 1 0 FT 1

We get
115 N + (−0.77FT 2 ) + 0 N = 0

0.77FT 2 = 115 N

115 N
FT 2 =
0.77

FT 2 = 149 N
The load FW 2 = FT 2 = 149 N
Similarly, Applying the first condition of static equilibrium in the y-direction,
we get X
Fy = 0

13
 We get
164 N + 0.64FT 2 + (−FT 1 ) = 0

FT 1 = 164 N + 0.64(149 N)

FT 1 = 260 N
The load FW 1 = FT 1 = 260 N

Example 6
If in Fig. 6 the friction between the block and the incline is negligible,
how much must the object on the right weigh if the 200-N block is
to remain at rest?

Figure 6

The tension in the rope attached to the box on the incline and block is equal
to FT = FW = 200 N.
Since the box remains at rest, it experiences no net acceleration. The forces
exerted on the box are the x and y- components of the weight FW and the
normal force exerted by the incline on the box.
Applying the first condition of static equilibrium in the x-direction, we get
X
Fx = 0

115 N + 0 N + (−FT ) = 0
This gives us

14
 Table 7: Table of vector components of forces acting on box on incline

vector x-component y-component

F~W FW sin 35◦ = (200 N) sin 35◦ = 115 N −FW cos 35◦ = −(200 N) cos 35◦ = −164 N

F~N 0N FN

F~T −FT 0N

FT = 115 N
Applying the first condition of static equilibrium in the y-direction, we get
X
Fy = 0

−164 N + FN + 0 N = 0

FN = 164 N
The tension in the rope should balance the weight hang on the rope. The
weight therefore should be equal to 115 N.

Example 7
Find the torque about axis A in Figure 7 due to each of the forces shown.

Figure 7

15
 The torque τ due to a force F from a pivot located at distance r is given by

τ = F r sin θ

where θ is the angle between the line of action of a force F and the direction of
the displacement r.
The torque due to the force 20 N is given by

τ1 = (20 N)(0.80 m) sin 0◦ = 0 N · m

The torque due to the force 10 N is given by

τ2 = (10 N)(0.80 m) sin 90◦ = 8 N · m

The torque due to the force 25 N is given by

τ3 = (25 N)(0.80 m) sin 25◦ = 8.5 N · m

Example 8
A uniform beam of length L weighs 200 N and holds a 450 N object as
shown in Figure 8. Find the magnitude of the torques exerted about
the forces shown in the figure about the two supports at its ends.

Figure 8

We choose the upward direction to be postive and the downward direction

to be negative.
We apply the first condition of static equilibrium in the y-direction, we have
X
Fy = 0

F1 + F2 + (−200 N) + (−450 N) = 0

16
 F1 + F2 − 650 N = 0

F1 + F2 = 650 N
We apply the second condition of static equilibrium.
X
τ =0
We choose the point A as the pivot. Any force whose line of action passes
through the pivot does not produce any torque or turning effect.
We work out the clockwise torque to be
L 3
clockwise torque τ1 = (200 N)( ) + (450 N)( L)
2 4

τ1 = (437.5 N)L
We work out the anti-clockwise torque to be

anti clockwise torque τ2 = F2 L

To satisfy, the second condition of static equlibrium, we have the clockwise

torque to be positive and the anti clockwise torques to be negative. We obtain
X
τ =0

τ1 + τ2 = 0

(437.5 N)L + (−F2 L) = 0

F2 L = (437.5 N)L
Cancelling out, the L on both sides, we get

F2 = 437.5 N

Recall that we already found,

F1 + F2 = 650 N
Therefore, we can find F1 as

F1 = 650 N − F2

F1 = 650 N − 437.5 N

F1 = 212.5 N

17
Example 9
A uniform, 100 N pipe is used as a lever, as shown in Figure 9. Find
the magnitude of the torques about the pivot if a 500 N weight at
one end is balanced by a weight of 200 N weight at the other end?

Figure 9

The pipe experiences a number of forces. The pipe is being pulled down
by its weight FW = 100 N, and the two loads at the end of the pipe denoted
F1 = 200 N and F2 = 500 N. The pipe is also being pushed upwards by the
pivot with a force FR .
If we choose the up direction to be positive and the downward direction
to be negative, we can apply the first condition of static equilibrium in the
y-direction. We obtain X
Fy = 0

FR + (−200 N) + (−100 N) + (−500 N) = 0

FR − 200 N − 100 N − 500 N = 0

FR − 800 N = 0

FR = 800 N
These different forces are acting along lines of action that are at different
distances from the pivot. Since the line of action of the reaction force FR passes
through the pivot, this force does not produce any torque because the lever arm
between the line of action and the pivot is zero. The other forces are located at
non-zero distances from the pivot therefore produce some kind of torque whether
clockwise or anticlockise.
We need to find the sums of the clockwise torques and anticlockwise torques.
Thereafter, we assign the clockwise torque as a positive torque and the anticlock-
wise torque as a negative torque.

18
 The force which cause the pipe to turn clockwise is F2 = 500 N and is loacted
at a distance of L − x from the pivot. We therefore get the clockwise torque
denoted τ1 as
τ1 = F2 (L − x) sin 90◦ = F2 (L − x)

τ1 = F2 L − F2 x = (500 N)L − (500 N)x

The forces that cause the pipe to rotate anticlockwise are F1 = 200 N and
FW = 100 N. The force F1 is located at a distance x from the pivot. The weight
of the pipe acts through the centre of the pipe at a distance of x − 0.5L from
the pivot. Therefore, we get the sum of the anticlockwise torque denoted τ2 to
be
τ2 = F1 x + FW (x − 0.5L)

τ2 = (200 N)x + (100 N)(x − 0.5L)

τ2 = (200 N)x + (100 N)x − (50 N)L

τ2 = (300 N)x − (50 N)L

For the pipe not to rotate, it should satisfy the second condition of static
equilibrium, which states that the sum of all the torques must add up to zero.
Therefore, we have to add the clockwise and anticlowise moments and they
should add up to zero.

τ1 = τ2

(500 N)L − (500 N)x = (300 N)x − (50 N)L

Taking like terms to the same side, we get
(300 N)x + (500 N)x = (500 N)L + (50 N)L

(800 N)x = (550 N)L

Dividing by 800 N, on both sides, we get

(550 N)L
x=
(800 N)

x = 0.69L
Thus, if our pipe has a length L = 1 m, then we get x as

x = 0.69(1 m)

x = 0.68 m

19
Example 10
Consider the situation shown in Fig. 10. The uniform 0.60 kN beam
is hinged at P . Find the tension in the tie rope and the components
of the reaction force exerted by the hinge on the beam. Give your
answers to two significant figures.

Figure 10

The beam of weight FW = 0.6 kN is being supported by the tension in the

rope FT and the hinge P . The x-component of the tension in the rope FT x
pushes the beam into the hinge at P . The hinge at P is “not happy” about this
and thus pushes back horizontally with a reaction force component FH . The
weight of the beam FW and the load at the end of the beam FL try to pull the
beam down. However, the y- component of the tension FT y and the reaction
force from the hinge at P push the beam up with force FV .
The x component of the tensions are given by
FT x = FT cos 40◦ = 0.77FT
The y component of the tensions are given by
FT y = FT sin 40◦ = 0.64FT
Choosing the upward direction as positive and the downward direction as
negative, we can apply the first condition of static equilibrium in the x and
y-directions as follows.
In the x-direction, we have
X
Fx = 0

20
 FH + (−FT x ) = 0

FH − FT x = 0

FH − 0.77FT = 0

FH = 0.77FT
In the y-direction, we have
X
Fy = 0

FV + FT y + (−FW ) + (−FL ) = 0

FV + FT y − FW − FL = 0

FV + 0.64FT − 600 N − 800 N = 0

FV + 0.64FT − 1400 N = 0

FV + 0.64FT = 1400 N
Next, we need to satisfy the second condition of static equilibrium. We
choose the hinge P to be the pivot. Since the line of action of the reaction
forces FV and FH pass through the pivot, these two forces produce no turning
effect or torque on the beam.
The tension FT in the rope tries to turn the beam anti-clockwise. The
weight of the beam FW and the load at the end of the beam FL try to turn
the beam clockwise. Therefore, we can work out the sum of the clockwise and
anticlockwise moments.
The sum of the anticlockwise moment is only due to the tension FT in the
rope. We get the anticlockwise torque denoted τ1 as
3
τ1 = FT ( L) sin 40◦ = FT (0.75L)(0.64)
4

τ1 = 0.48FT L
The sum of the clockwise moment is due to the weights FW and FL . We get
the sum of the clockwise torque denoted τ2 as
1
τ2 = FW ( L) sin 90◦ + FL (L) sin 90◦
5

21
 τ2 = (600 N)(0.5L) + (800 N)(L)

τ2 = (1100 N)L
For the beam not to rotate, the sum of the anticlockwise moments and the
sum of the clockwise moments must be equal.

τ1 = τ2

0.48FT L = (1100 N)L

Cancelling out L on both sides, we obtain

0.48FT = 1100 N
Dividing by 0.48 on both sides, we get
1100 N
FT =
0.48

FT = 2 292 N
After finding the tension FT in the rope, we can now find the horizontal and
vertical components of the reaction forces.
The horizontal component of the reaction force FH found to be

FH = 0.77FT

FH = 0.77(2 292 N)

FH = 1 765 N
The vertical component of the reaction force FV found to be

FV + 0.64FT = 1400 N

FV + 0.64(2 292 N) = 1400 N

FV + 1 467 N) = 1400 N

FV = 1400 N − 1 467 N

FV = −67 N

22
Example 11
A uniform, 0.40 kN boom is supported as shown in Fig. 11. Find the
tension in the tie rope and the force exerted on the boom by the pin
at P .

Figure 11

The boom has a number of forces acting on it. The weight of the boom
FW = 0.40 kN and the load FL = 2000 N are trying to pull the boom downwards.
The weight of boom FW acts at a length of 0.5L from the hinge P while the
load FW acts from the end of the boom at length L. The tension in the rope
3L
FT is trying to pull the boom anticlockwise from a point from the hinge
4
P . The boom also exerts a forces on the hinge P and the hinge is “not happy”
about this. So according to Newton’s Third Law of Motion, the hinge exerts
a reaction force FR on the boom which has x and y-components FH and FV
respectively.
On the direction part, we choose the upward dircetion to be the postive
y-axis and the left horizontal to be the positive x- axis.
Applying the first condition of static equilibrium in the x and y-direction,
we obtain the following:
In the x-direction, we get
X
Fx = 0

23
 Table 8: Table of forces acting on hinged boom

vector x-component y-component

F~T FT cos 180◦ = −FT FT sin 180◦ = 0 N

F~W (400 N) cos 270◦ = 0 N (400 N) sin 270◦ = −400 N

F~L (2000 N) cos 270◦ = 0 N (2000 N) sin 270◦ = −2000 N

F~R FH FV

−FT + 0 N + 0 N + FH = 0
We get

FH = FT
In the y-direction, we get
X
Fy = 0
We get
0 N + (−400 N) + (−2000 N) + FV = 0

0 N − 400 N − 2000 N + FV = 0

FV − 2400 N = 0

FV = 2400 N
Next, we try to apply the second condition of static equilibrium which in-
volves the torque. We note that the line of action of the reaction force FR
components FV and FH pass through the hinge P which is the pivot therefore
produce no torque since the lever arm is zero in this case. The other forces
FT , FW and FL have non-zero lever arms therefore produce a turning effect or
torque on the boom.
The tension in the rope FT produces an anticlockwise torque on the boom.
On the other hand, the weights FW and FL produce clockwise torques.
The sum of the anticlockwise torque due to the tension FT which we denote
τ1 is given by

24
 3L
τ1 = FT ( ) sin 50◦ = FT (0.75L)(0.77)
4

τ1 = 0.58FT L
The sum of the clockwise torque due to the weights FW and FL which we
denote as τ2 is given by

τ2 = FW (0.5L) cos 50◦ + FW L cos 50◦

τ2 = (400 N)(0.5L) cos 50◦ + (2000 N)L cos 50◦

τ2 = (129 N)L + (1 286 N)L

τ2 = (1 415 N)L
For the boom to remain motionless and not rotate, the sum of the anticlock-
wise torque and the sum of the clockwise torque must be the same.

τ1 = τ2

0.58FT L = (1 415 N)L

Cancelling out the L on both sides, we obtain

0.58FT = 1 415 N

Dividing by 0.58 on both sides, we get

1 415 N
FT =
0.58

FT = 2 440 N
Now, recall that

FH = FT
Therefore, we get
FH = 2 440 N

25
Example 12
A ladder leans against a smooth wall, as shown in Fig. 12. (By a
“smooth” wall, we mean that the wall exerts on the ladder only a
force that is perpendicular to the wall. There is no friction force.)
The ladder weighs 200 N and its center of gravity is 0.40L from the
base, where L is the ladder’s length.
1. How large a friction force must exist at the base of the ladder
if it is not to slip?
2. What is the necessary coefficient of static friction?

Figure 12

The ladder lean against the wall experiences a number of forces. The weight
of the ladder FW = 200 N is trying to pull the ladder down. The ladder is
exerting forces against the wall and the floor. Both the wall and floor are “not
happy” about the force being exerted by the ladder, so according to Newton’s
third law exert reaction forces FR . The floor exerts a reaction force with only a
vertical component FN 1 . The wall exerts a reaction force with only a horizontal
component FN 2 . Also, the ladder is required to be motionless so that it does
not slide of the floor, so friction force Ff is set up between the floor and the
ladder. This information is presented in Table 9.
Applying the first condition of static equilibrium in the x and y-direction,
we obtain the following:
In the x-direction, we get

26
 Table 9: Table of forces acting on ladder leaning against wall

vector x-component y-component

F~W (200 N) cos 270◦ = 0 N (200 N) sin 270◦ = −200 N

F~f Ff cos 0◦ = Ff Ff sin 0◦ = 0 N

F~N 1 FN 1 cos 90◦ = 0 N FN 1 sin 90◦ = FN 1

F~N 2 FN 2 cos 180◦ = −FN 2 FN 2 sin 180◦ = 0 N

X
Fx = 0

0 N + Ff + 0 N + (−FN 2 ) = 0

Ff − FN 2 = 0

Ff = FN 2
In the y-direction, we get
X
Fy = 0
We get

−200 N + 0 N + FN 1 + 0 N = 0

FN 1 − 200 N = 0

FN 1 = 200 N
Next, we try to apply the second condition of static equilibrium which in-
volves the torque. We decide to choose the bottom of the ladder in contact with
the floor as a pivot. This choice allows saves us from having two calculate the
torque due to friction force Ff and the normal force FN 1 . These two forces Ff
and FN 1 produce no torque on the ladder because their line of action passes
through our chosen pivot since the lever arm is zero in both cases. The only
forces that have non-zero lever arms and are therefore capable of producing a

27
torque is the weighgt of the ladder FW and the reaction of the wall on the ladder
FN 2 .
The reaction force of the wall against the ladder FN 2 tries to turn the ladder
in an anticlockwise direction. The weight of the ladder FW tries to turn the
ladder in a clockwise direction.
The anticlockwise torque produced by FN 2 denoted τ1 is given by

τ1 = FN 2 L sin 50◦ = 0.77FN 2 L

The clockwise torque produced by FW denoted τ2 is given by

τ2 = FW (0.40L) cos 50◦ = (200 N)(0.40L) cos 50◦

τ2 = (51.4 N)L
For the ladder leaning against the wall to remain motionless and not rotate,
the sum of the anticlockwise torque and the sum of the clockwise torque must
be the same.

τ1 = τ2

0.77FN 2 L = (51.4 N)L

Cancelling out the L on both sides, we get

0.77FN 2 = 51.4 N
Dividing by 0.77 on both sides, we get
51.4 N
FN 2 =
0.77

FN 2 = 66.8 N
Now, recall that

Ff = FN 2
Therefore, we get our friction force as

Ff = 66.8 N

So we now have the friction force Ff = 66.8 N and the normal force FN 1 =
200 N exerted by the floor on the ladder. Therefore, we can proceed to find the
coefficient of static friction µk .
Recall that the friction force Ff is given by

Ff = µs FN 1

28
 Therefore, we can get µs as
Ff
µs =
FN 1
66.8 N
µs =
200 N

µs = 0.33

Example 12
The uniform, 120 N board shown in Fig. 13 is supported by two ropes
as shown. A 0.40 kN weight is suspended one-quarter of the way from
the left end. Find FT 1 , FT 2 , and the angle θ made by the left rope.

Figure 13

29