An-Najah National University

College of Engineering

Statics-61110

Chapter [1]

Introduction

Dr. Sameer Shadeed

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 The Book (Meriam and Kraige)
Each Chapter Includes:
Concepts
Sample problems – applications of concepts
Problems – reinforce understanding
Summary problems – examination problems

Keys to Mastering Statics

Learning the fundamentals: read and understand the
text
Solving many problems

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 The Book (Meriam and Kraige)

Only by solving many problems

can you truly understand the

basic principles and how to

apply them

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 How to Master Assigned Material

Study material to be covered before it is

covered in class

Study sample problems until you can solve

them “closed book”

Do enough of the practice problems, answer

unseen

Do the homework problems you have been

assigned

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 Chapter Objectives

Students will be able to:

1. Identify what is mechanics / statics

2. Work with two types of units

3. Round the final answer appropriately

4. Apply problem solving strategies

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 What is Mechanics?
Mechanics can be defined as that branch of the
physical sciences which deals with the effects of forces
on objects

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 What may Happen if Statics is not
Applied Properly?

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 Basic Concepts
Space: is the geometric region occupied by bodies
whose positions are described by linear and
angular measurements relative to a coordinate
system
Time: is the measure of the succession of events
Mass: is the measure of the inertia of a body, which
is its resistance to a change of motion
Force: the action of one body on another
A particle: is a body of negligible dimensions
Rigid body: a body is considered rigid when the
relative movement between its parts is negligible
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 Newton's Laws
Law I: A particle remains at rest or continues to move in
a straight line with a constant speed if there is no
unbalanced force acting on it (resultant force = 0)

Law II: The acceleration of a particle is proportional to

the resultant force acting on it and is in the direction of
this force

F = ma (1)

Law III: The forces of action and reaction between

interacting bodies are equal in magnitude, opposite in
direction, and act along the same line of action
(Collinear)
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 Newton's Law of Gravitation

m1m2
F =G 2 (2)
r
where
F = the mutual force of attraction between two particles
G = a universal constant known as the constant of gravitation
m1, m2 = the masses of the two particles
r = the distance between the two particles

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 Weight
Any two particles or bodies of mass m1 and m2 are mutually
attracted with equal and opposite forces
The attraction of the earth on a particle located on its surface is
one important case
GM e
If we introduce the constant g= 2 (3)
r
and let: Me = mass of earth
m = mass of a particle
r = radius of earth
g = acceleration of gravity at earth’s surface

gr 2
using equation 3 G= (4)
Me

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 Weight
Weight is a force
gr 2  M e m 
Substituting into equation 2 F=  2  (5)
Me  r 

F = mg = W weight

At the surface of the Earth a=g

Therefore: W = mg

g is dependent upon r

Most cases use

g = 9.81 m/s² = 32.2 ft/s²

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 System of Units
Two system of units are in common use: the International
System of Units (SI) and the U.S. Customary System (USCS)

Base units are units of mass, length and time

Quantity SI Units USCU

Mass (M) Kilogram (kg) Slug (-)

Length (L) Meter (m) Foot (ft)
Time (T) Second (s) Second (s)
Force (F) Newton* (N) Pound (Ib)

*Derived unit 1 N = (1 kg)(1 m/s²)

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 Unit Conversion

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 Conversion Factors from USCS
to SI Units

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 Conversion Factors from USCS
to SI Units

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 Conversion Factors Software's

Brows the
internet for
free
downloadable
conversion
factors
software’s

Master
Converter is
one

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 Conversion Factors Software's

Convert is
Another
one

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 Example 1

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 Example 1 (Solution)

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 Numerical Accuracy

The accuracy of the solution depends on:

Accuracy of given data

Accuracy of computations

Example: Given 5.4, 9.81, and 6.1, what is their average?

Average = 21.31/3 = 7.103
Average = 7.1

Can't get more accurate than the least accurate number

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 Get to Know SI Prefixes

When a numerical quantity is either very large or very

small, the units used define its size may be modified by
using prefix
Exponential Form Prefix SI Symbol
Multiple
109 giga G
106 mega M
103 kilo k
Sub-multiple
10-3 milli m
10-6 micro µ
10-9 nano n
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 Problem Solving Strategy:
IPE, A 3−Step Approach
1. Interpret: Read carefully and determine what is given and
what is to be found/delivered. Ask, if not clear. If
necessary, make assumptions and indicate them.

2. Plan: Think about major steps (or a road map) that you will
take to solve a given problem. Think of alternative/creative
solutions and choose the best one.

3. Execute: Carry out your steps. Use appropriate diagrams

and equations. Estimate your answers. Avoid simple
calculation mistakes. Reflect on/revise your work.

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