PARALLEL FORCES: COUPLES

COUPLE – a pair of equal, parallel and opposite forces acting on a body

NOTE:

 The RESULTANT of parallel forces are determined by getting the algebraic sum of the
forces

SAMPLE PROBLEM:
1. Forces of 20 units upward, 50 units upward and 30 units downward are applied at points 0,
2 unit and 6 unit marks respectively on a body. Determine the amount, direction and
position of the resultant. 50 units
Given: 20 units
30 units

Required:

R and x R

Solution:

R = 20 + 50 – 30 = 40 units

∑M0 = -50(2) + 30(6) = 80

80 = 40x

X=2

CENTER OF GRAVITY
- The point where the weight of the body is concentrated

ARCHIMEDES: “There is a point on a body called CENTER OF GRAVITY such that the body will
balance in all positions when supported @ that point”
 To determine the center of gravity of regularly shaped body, moment and parallel
forces principles are used.

∑ Wx ∑ Wy
X= y=
W W
Where:
W = weight of the body, X = perpendicular distance to y-axis, Y = perpendicular distance to the x-axi
 SAMPLE PROBLEM:

1. Find the center of gravity of a board in the shape of a T as shown below

y - axis

8”
X - axis
4” •

10””

4”
Center of
gravity

10 ( 4 ) ( 5 ) + 4 ( 8 ) ( 12 )
x=
11 ( 4 ) +4 ( 8 )

x = 8.11inches

2. Find the center of gravity of the figure shown

Y - axis

1’

3’

3’

1’
X - axis

Center of gravity
3 (1 ) ( 0.5 ) +3 ( 1 ) ( 2.5 )
x=
3+3
x = 1.5 in.
3 (1 ) ( 1.5 ) +3 ( 1 )( 0.5 )
y=
3+3
y = 1 in.
 Activity # 2
1. A ball weighing 20 g rests on two boards arranged as a 45 o through with one board
vertical. What are the reactions of the board on the ball?

2. Given forces of 10 g upward acting @ 0 ft mark, 20 g upward @ 3 ft mark and 15 g

downward @ 5 ft mark. Determine the magnitude of the resultant and its point of
application

3. Find the center of gravity of the figure shown below

3”

2”

6”
”

1”

8”