Assignment 2

Determine the resultant of two vectors at right angles to each other by drawing a vector
triangle and using the trigonometric functions of sine, cosine, and tangent.

Question 1

Suppose two forces 3 kN and 8 kN are pulling an object such that an angle between the two forces
will give the maximum resultant force. Which of the following angles will give a Maximum Resultant
Force?

A. 180o
B. 360o
C. 270o
D. 90o
E. 0o

The answer is E. 0o

Question 2

Determine the MAGNITUDE and DIRECTION in the form of an angle or slope for the right-angle force
system shown in the Figure below,

Solution

The resultant force will be √32 + 82 = 8.54 kN and the angle is tan−1 8/3 = 69.4°,

counterclockwise from the negative x-axis

or the slope
Determine the resultant of any two vectors by drawing a vector triangle and using either the
sine law or cosine law.

Question 3

Using a vector triangle, cosine law, and sine law, determine the resultant of the forces shown in the
Figure below.

Solution

10°
60° 120°

60°

Using the cosine rule:

The resultant of the two forces, R, is given by

√402 + 302 − 2(40)(30) cos 130° kN

From sine rule:
sin 𝛼 sin 130°
=
30 𝑅
30 kN ∙ sin 130°
𝛼 = sin−1
𝑅
Therefore, 𝜃 = 60° − 𝛼, counterclockwise from the positive x-axis

Resolve any vector quantity into components in the horizontal and vertical directions.

Question 4

Determine the horizontal and vertical components of each vector shown in the Figures below.

(i) (ii)

Solution

(i) (ii)

The horizontal components are:

(i) 𝑣𝑥 = (19 ft/sec) cos 143°, the negative sign indicates to the left or
𝑣𝑥 = (19 ft/sec) cos(180° − 143°), to the left.
 (ii) 𝑎𝑥 = 15 (68 m/s 2 )/√82 + 152 , to the left

The vertical components are:

(i) 𝑣𝑦 = (19 ft/sec) sin 143°, the positive sign indicates upwards and/or
𝑣𝑦 = (19 ft/sec) sin(180° − 143°), upwards
(ii) 𝑎𝑦 = 8 (68 m/s 2 )/√82 + 152 , upwards

Resolve any vector quantity into components along any two axes

Question 5

A crate is winched up the slope shown in the Figure below. If the rope tension is 400 N, determine
the components acting on the crate, parallel to the slope and perpendicular to the slope.

Solution

10° 70°

20°
 10° 70°

20°

The components acting on the crate, parallel to the slope and perpendicular to the slope are
400 N cos 10°, 20° counterclockwise from the positive x-axis and 400 N sin 10°, 70° clockwise from
the positive x-axis.

Determine the resultant of several vectors by the method of components.

Question 6

Determine the resultant of the force system shown in the Figure below.

Solution

X components Y components
−1200 lb cos 20° 1200 lb sin 20°
−700 lb cos 55° −700 lb sin 55°
0 −800 lb
𝑅𝑥 = −1200 lb cos 20° − 700 lb cos 55° 𝑅𝑦 = 1200 lb sin 20° − 700 lb sin 55° − 800 lb
= −1529 lb = −962.98 lb

𝑅 = √𝑅𝑥2 + 𝑅𝑦2 = √(−1529)2 + (−962.98)2 = 1810 lb

The direction is tan−1 (𝑅𝑦 /𝑅𝑥 ) = tan−1 (962.98/1529) = 32.2°, counterclockwise from the negative
x-axis. OR 57.8° clockwise from the negative y-axis.

Calculate the moment of a force by

(a) multiplying the total force by its perpendicular distance.

(b) multiplying each of a force’s components by their respective perpendicular

distances.

Question 7

When is the moment absent?

A) When there is an actual rotation

B) When there is only a tendency to rotate
C) When pushing on a revolving door while walking through it
D) When tightening a nut with a wrench, and
E) When the wheel of a car is translated with constant acceleration.

Solution

Answer E

Question 8

Boom AC is extended as shown in the Figure below. Determine (a) the moment about A due to the
1200-lb force and (b) the cylinder force pushing in the same direction as the cylinder at B, if its
moment is to be equal to the moment of the 1200-lb force about A.
Solution

20°

20°

(a) the moment about A due to the 1200-lb force

𝑥 = 15 ft cos 18°

𝑀 = 1200 lb ∙ 15 ft cos 18° = 17120 = 17100 lb-ft, clockwise

(b) the cylinder force pushing in the same direction as the cylinder at B, if its moment is to
be equal to the moment of the 1200-lb force about A.

𝑥 = 8 ft sin 20°

𝐹 ∙ 8 ft sin 20° = 17120 lb-ft

𝐹 = 6260 lb, 38° counterclockwise from the positive x-axis.

Name the three factors that constitute a couple and calculate the moment.

Replace a given couple with an equivalent couple at a different location.

Question 9

Which of the following diagrams strictly define (a) maximum work done, (b) moments, (c)
couple, and (d) equivalent couples?

(i) (ii) (iii)

Solution

(a) None
(b) (i), (ii), and (iii)
(c) (i), (ii) and (iii)
(d) (i) and (iii)

Question 10

A flywheel must be held from rotating about shaft A while a nut on it is tightened as shown (in
Figures below). (a) Which position should the wrench be in to have minimum moment about A?
(b) Calculate the moment in each case.

(i) (ii)

Solution

(a) The position of the wrench should be in case (i).

 (b) (i) 𝑀 = −140 N × 0.15 m = 21 N ∙ m, Clockwise and (ii) 𝑀 = −140 N × 0.65 m = 91 N ∙ m,
Clockwise

Question 11

The forces shown in the Figure below form a couple. Replace the shown couple with an
equivalent couple acting at points A and B.

Solution

+40 N × 200 mm = F𝐴 × 50 mm
F𝐴 = 160 N, downwards and F𝐵 = 160 N, upwards

Draw complete free-body diagrams of whole or part mechanisms.

Question 12

Rollers A and B each weigh 200 N (Figure below). Assume smooth surfaces and draw a free-body
diagram of roller B.

Solution

- Title the diagram.

- Identify the three locations for the forces.
- Show the 200-N force acting downward.
 - Force exerted by A on B at an angle of 𝟒𝟓°
- The vertical wall at the circumference of B can only act horizontally to the left on the
circumference of B as reaction, 𝑹 (our assumption of zero friction means that there
cannot be a vertical force at the circumference of B).

A free-body diagram of roller B.

200 N

𝐴 45°

200 N
Question 13

Draw a free-body𝑅 diagram of the frame shown in the Figure below.

𝐴 45°

Solution

- Title the diagram of the frame (in the Figure below)

- Identify the three locations for the forces.
- Show the 600-N force at 63.4°.
- Show the force at E pushing upward perpendicular to the frame.
- Since it is free to roll, it cannot exert a horizontal force.
- Show 𝐴𝑥 acting to the right since the 600-kN force acts partially to the left.
- Show Ay acting down to provide rotational balance about E.

Free body diagram of a Frame

 𝐴𝑥

𝐴𝑦

Apply the three equations of equilibrium, ΣFx = 0, ΣFy = 0, and ΣM = 0, to free-body

diagrams of the following coplanar systems:

(a) Concurrent

(b) Parallel (including uniform and nonuniform beam loading)

(c) Nonconcurrent

Question 14

(a) Concurrent

Find the load in members AB and BC of the Figure below.

Solution

30°
AB

70°

Use sine rule

𝐵𝐶 200 N
=
sin 30° sin 70°
200 N
𝐵𝐶 = × sin 30° 𝑇
sin 70°

𝐴𝐵 200 N
=
sin 80° sin 70°
200 N
𝐴𝐵 = × sin 80° 𝑇
sin 70°
Question 15

Determine the load in member BC of the Figure below.

Solution
 FBD of D

Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0
3 12
(100 lb) = (𝐷𝐸)
5 13
13 3
𝐷𝐸 = × (100 lb) = 65 lb 𝐶
12 5

Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0

5 4
𝐷𝐵 = 100 lb + (𝐷𝐸 ) + (100 lb)
13 5
𝐷𝐵 = 205 lb 𝑇

FBD of B
12
× 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐵𝐷
13
13 13
𝐴𝐵 = × 𝐵𝐷 = × 205 lb = 222 lb 𝑇
12 12
5 5
𝐵𝐶 = × 𝐴𝐵 = × 222 lb = 85.4 lb 𝑇
13 13
Question 16

Parallel (including uniform and nonuniform beam loading)

Which of the following equations will determine the reactions at A and B for the beam loaded as
shown in the Figure below?

Solution

𝐹1 𝐹2 𝐹3 𝐹4
 𝐹1 𝐹2 𝐹3 𝐹4

lb
𝐹1 = 100 × 6 ft = 600 lb
ft
1 lb
𝐹2 = 100 × 6 ft = 300 lb
2 ft
lb
𝐹3 = 200 × 4 ft = 800 lb
ft
1 lb
𝐹4 = 200 × 3 ft = 300 lb
2 ft

Σ𝑀𝐵 = 0

𝑅𝐴 (14 ft) = 𝐹2 (11 ft) + 𝐹1 (12 ft) + 𝐹3 (7 ft) + 𝐹4 (4ft)

𝑅𝐴 (14 ft) = 300 lb(11 ft) + 600 lb(12 ft) + 800 lb(7 ft) + 300 lb(4ft)
𝑅𝐴 = 1240 lb
Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0

𝑅𝐵 = 300 lb + 600 lb + 800 lb + 300 lb − 1236 lb

𝑅𝐵 = 764 lb

Apply the three equations of equilibrium, ΣFx = 0, ΣFy = 0, and ΣM = 0, to free-body diagrams of
the following coplanar systems: Nonconcurrent

Question 17

Which of the following equations will NOT determine ANY of the reactions at A and B for the beam
shown in the Figure below?

Solution

Which of the following equations will determine of the reactions at A and B for the beam shown in
the Figure below?

Σ𝑀𝐵 = 0
5 3
(520 N)(1 m) + (400 N)(6 m) − A𝑦 (4 m) = 0
13 5
12 4
A 𝑦 (4 m ) = (520 N)(1 m) + (400 N)(6 m) = 2400
13 5
2400
A𝑦 = = 600 N, due north
4

ΣF𝑦 = 0
12 4
B𝑦 = −600 N + (520 N) + (400 N) = 200 N, due north
13 5
ΣF𝑥 = 0
5 3
A𝑥 = − (520 N) + (400 N) = 40 N, to the right
13 5

Question 18

Use a free-body diagram of the frame as shown in Figure below, to determine force at B.

Solution
Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0

B𝑦 (15 ft) = (7.891 kips)(10 ft) + (1.315 kips)(20 ft)

B𝑦 = 14.9 kips, Upwards

Apply the three equations of equilibrium, ΣFx = 0, ΣFy = 0, and ΣM = 0, to free-body diagrams of
the following coplanar systems: Nonconcurrent with three force member.

Question 19

Which of the following equations will determine the forces at A and E in the Figure below?

Solution
Σ𝑀𝐷 = 0
5A 12A
(7 inch) − (10 inch) + 30lb(2 inch) + 16 lb(4 inch) = 0
13 13

5A 12A
𝐴𝑥 = , and 𝐴𝑦 =
13 13

Σ𝑀𝐵 = 0
4EC
(5 inch) − 30lb(8 inch) = 0
5
4𝐸𝐶
𝐸𝑦 =
5
And
3𝐸𝐶
𝐸𝑥 =
5

Apply the three equations of equilibrium, ΣFx = 0, to free-body diagrams of the following
coplanar systems: Parallel
Question 20

Which of the following equations will determine the tension 𝑇2 in the cable of the pulley system
shown in the Figure below.

Solution

−600 + 7𝑇1 − 100 = 0

−1200 + 7𝑇2 − 200 = 0
𝑇2 = 2𝑇1 = 2(100 = 200 kg = 1960 N

Question 21

Determining the loads in individual members of a pin-connected truss.

Which of the following strategies will be used, using the method of joints, to determine the load in
member AC of the Figure below?
Solution

FBD of B

We first determine AB from the FBD of B using

𝚺𝑭𝒚 = 𝟎
3
(𝐴𝐵) = 20 kN
5

20 × 5
𝐴𝐵 = = 33.33 kN 𝐶
3
Then BC using

𝚺𝑭𝒙 = 𝟎
4 20 × 5
𝐵𝐶 = ( kN) 𝐶 = 26.67 𝑘N 𝐶
5 3

FBD of C

Lastly, determine AC from the FBD of C using

𝚺𝑭𝒙 = 𝟎
5
𝐵𝐶 − 𝐴𝐶 = 0
5.385
5.385
𝐴𝐶 = 26.67 kN = 28.73 𝑘N T
5

Question 22

Which of the following equations will determine the loads, AB, BC, AC, and DC shown in the Figure
below?
Solution

FBD of B

Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0
2
(𝐴𝐵) = 5
√5
5√5
𝐴𝐵 = = 5.59 𝑘𝑁, 𝑇
2
And,

Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0
1
(𝐴𝐵) = 𝐵𝐶
√5
5
𝐵𝐶 = = 2.5 𝑘𝑁, 𝐶
2
FBD of C

Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0
5
(𝐴𝐶 ) = 𝐵𝐶
13
5 5
(𝐴𝐶 ) = kN
13 2
13
𝐴𝐶 = = 6.5 kN, 𝑇
2
And,

Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0
12
(𝐴𝐶 ) = 𝐶𝐷
13
12
𝐶𝐷 = (𝐴𝐶 ) = 6 kN, 𝐶
13
13
𝐴𝐶 = = 6.5 𝑘𝑁, 𝑇
2

Calculating truss loads by the method of sections, which requires the drawing of a free body
diagram of a partial truss.

Question 23

Using the method of sections, determine the DIRECTION of the load in members BC, BG, and EG of
the truss shown in the Figure below.
Solution

We first determine the direction of the external reaction 𝑅𝐴 . The diagram shows a roller pushing
downward to a truss, then 𝑅𝐴 is pointing downward.

Secondly, a cutting plane is drawn through the truss, cutting members BG, EG, and BC such that
FBD of the left half of the truss is used with the external reaction 𝑅𝐴 acting on this section.

For Σ𝐹𝑦 =0 and 𝑅𝐴 pointing downward, the direction of BG will be compression.

For Σ𝑀𝐵 = 0, the direction of EG is compression.

For Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0 with both directions of EG and the x-component of BG as compression, BC will be
tension.

OR
We first determine the direction of the external reactions of 𝑅𝐴 and 𝑅𝐶 . The diagram shows a roller
pushing downward to a truss, then 𝑅𝐴 is pointing downward.

Using FBD of Truss with Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0, 𝑅𝐶 will point upward.

12
− (5200 N)(12 m) + 𝐶𝑦 (8 m) = 0
13
𝐶𝑦 = 7200 N

Secondly, a cutting plane is drawn through the truss, cutting members BG, EG, and BC such that
FBD of the righ`t half of the truss is used with the external reaction, 5200 N, acting on this section.

For Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0 with the known values of the y-component of 5200 N and 𝐶𝑦 , the direction of BG will be
compression.
12 3
7200 N − (5200 N) − 𝐵𝐺 = 0
13 5
𝐵𝐺 = 4000 N 𝐶
4 4
(𝐵𝐺 )𝑥 = 𝐵𝐺 = (4000 N) = 3200 N
5 5
For Σ𝑀𝐺 = 0.
5 12
− (5200 N)(3 m) − (5200 N)(4 m) + 𝐵𝐶(3 m) = 0
13 13
𝐵𝐶 = 8400 N 𝑇
For Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0 with the known values of the x-component of BG, the x-component of 5200 N pointing
to the right, and the BC, the direction of EG will be compression.

For Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0.

−8400 + 2000 + 3200 + 𝐸𝐺 = 0

𝐸𝐺 = 3200 𝑁 𝐶
Calculating the pin reactions for various mechanisms, using the method of members.

Question 24

Which of the following equations will determine the horizontal and vertical components of the pin
reaction at A on the frame shown in the Figure below?

Solution

NB:

6 ft

𝑥
4 ft
12 ft

Similar triangles
𝑥 4ft
=
6 ft 12 ft
𝑥 = 2 ft
 FBD of the frame

𝚺𝑴𝑩 = 𝟎
−(500 lb)(6 ft) − (2000 lb)(6 ft) + A𝑥 (4 ft) = 0
𝐴𝑥 = 3750 lb
The direction of 𝐴𝑥 is to the left.

FBD of AC

𝚺𝑴𝑪 = 𝟎

+(500 lb)(2 ft) + (3750 lb)(8 ft) − A𝑦 (8 ft) = 0

𝐴𝑦 = 3875 lb

The direction of 𝐴𝑦 is upward.

OR

Use FBD of AC to determine the equation with two unknowns, 𝑪𝒚 and 𝑪𝒙

A 500 lb

4 ft

4 ft
C
6 ft 2 ft

A 500 lb

4 ft

4 ft
C
6 ft 2 ft
 𝚺𝑴𝑨 = 𝟎
−(500 lb)(6 ft) − C𝑦 (8 ft) + C𝑥 (8 ft) = 0

Use FBD of BD to determine the equation with two unknowns, 𝑪𝒚 and 𝑪𝒙

4 ft
C
2 ft
D
2000 lb
8 ft 24ft
ft

4 ft
C
2 ft
D
2000 lb
8 ft 24ft
ft

𝚺𝑴𝑩 = 𝟎

−(2000 lb)(6 ft) + C𝑦 (8 ft) − C𝑥 (4 ft) = 0

From FBD of AC

𝚺𝑭𝒙 = 𝟎
C𝑥 = A𝑥
The direction of 𝐴𝑥 is to the left.

𝚺𝑭𝒚 = 𝟎

−C𝑦 + A𝑥 − 500 lb = 0

The direction of 𝐴𝑦 is upward.

Question 25

Solve for the horizontal and vertical pin at B of the frame shown in the Figure below.

Solution

1 √5

2
B

1 √5

2
B

𝐴𝑥 = 2𝐴𝑦

And

𝐵𝑥 = 2𝐵𝑦

Use FBD of Frame to determine 𝑪𝒙

Σ𝑀𝐶 = 0

𝐴𝑥 (6 ft) − 𝐴𝑦 (1 ft) − (10 lb)(4.5 ft) = 0

2𝐴𝑦 (6 ft) − 𝐴𝑦 (1 ft) − (10 lb)(4.5 ft) = 0

𝐴𝑦 = 4.09 lb, upward

Therefore, 𝐴𝑥 = 2𝐴𝑦 = 2(4.09 lb) = 8.18 lb

Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0
𝐶𝑥 = 𝐴𝑥
= 8.18 lb to the right

Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0

−𝐶𝑦 + 4.09 lb − 10 lb = 0

𝐶𝑦 = 5.91 lb

Use FBD of BC to determine 𝑩𝒙 and 𝑩𝒚

Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0
𝐵𝑥 = 𝐶𝑥 = 𝐴𝑥 = 8.18 lb to the left

𝐵𝑦 = 𝐴𝑦

= 4.09 lb

OR
 A

1 √5

2
B

𝐴𝑥 = 2𝐴𝑦

And

𝐵𝑥 = 2𝐵𝑦

Use FBD of BC to determine 𝑩𝒙 and 𝑩𝒚

4 ft

A 3 ft 1.5 ft

4 ft

A 3 ft 1.5 ft

Σ𝑀𝐶 = 0

𝐵𝑥 (4 ft) − 𝐵𝑦 (3 ft) − (10 lb)(4.5 ft) = 0

But from FBD of AB

𝐵𝑥 = 2𝐵𝑦

Therefore

𝐵𝑥 = 8.18 lb and 𝐵𝑦 = 4.09 lb