Chapter 3 – Equilibrium of a Particle

A particle or object is in static equilibrium if it is in rest and remains in rest. Thus, the
acceleration is zero.

a0

This is often the case due to constraints on the object (bolted to the wall, pinned to
another member, etc.). From Newton’s second law, the acceleration is related to forces
acting on the object.
 
 F  ma
Thus, in order for an object to be in static equilibrium

F  0
In order for the vector to have a magnitude of zero, all of the components must be equal
to zero.
 Fx  0
F y 0
F z 0

How do we keep track of all the forces acting on an object?

Free Body Diagram

1. Decide which body to analyze and isolate or separate this from its surroundings.
2. Draw the outline of this separated body taking note of the locations where the
object was separated from other things.
3. Draw all external or applied forces acting on the object.
4. Draw all reaction forces acting on the object. These occur at the locations where
the object was separated from other things. These replace the natural constraint in
motion that those other things created.
5. Add all necessary dimensions for the problem and a coordinate system.

 Known forces should be indicated on the diagram with both their magnitude and
direction.
 For unknown forces, variables are used to determine the magnitude and direction.
Initially assume a direction and the sign of the answer will determine if it is
correct. If it is negative, then the direction is opposite the one assumed.
Common constraints
Cables or Ropes
 Only provide a force in tension along the direction of the cable
 Bunch up in compression

Cable T

Springs (Linearly Elastic)

 All things in life actually behavior similar to a spring
 There is a region where the amount of deformation is linearly related to the
amount of force applied
F  kx  spring constant  displacement
 The force is always acting to restore the object to its original shape
Example 1

200 N H

50 N x

35° P
75 N
Particle P is at rest.
Find: the x and y component of H

Example 2

50 N x

P
G
Particle P is at rest.
Find: the x and y component of H and G
Example 3

A 60˚
B
20˚
C

Mass
Mass = 10 kg
Find: Tension in each cable
Example 4

Find the tension in each cable.