EQUILIBRIUM OF A RIGID BODY UNDER COPLANAR FORCES

The Torque or Moment due to a force about an axis is a measure of the

effectiveness of the force in producing rotation about that axis. It is defined to
be the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the axis of
rotation to the line of motion of the force. The SI unit is N-m. In symbols:

M = Fd

Moment Arm (d) is the perpendicular distance from the center of moment
to the line of action.

Center of moment is the axis of rotation perpendicular to the plane of the

forces and the point at which this axis intersects the plane.

Applying the 2nd condition of equilibrium, the torque condition states that the
sum of all torques acting on an object, about an axis, is equal to zero. In

symbols: ∑M = 0

Couple is pair of forces which are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction
and separated by a perpendicular distance that causes a turning effect.

The center of gravity of an object is the point at which the weight of the
body maybe considered concentrated.To determine the center of gravity of
regularly shaped body, moment and parallel forces principles are used.
ILLUSTRATIONS:
Problems:

1. Four forces are acting on a sheet of wood. Find the lever arm and
the torque due to each force about point a) O b) A as the axis
of rotation.

2. A uniform beam weighs 225 N and holds a 432 N weight as

shown. Find the magnitudes of the forces exerted on the beam by
the two supports at its ends.

3. A uniform 5.0 m long pole weighs 125 N. Where must a 90 kg

mass sit on the pole, so that one end supports 1/3 as much force
on the other end? What are the magnitudes of the supports at its
ends?

4. A uniform, 505 N beam is hinged at P as it supports an 612 N load.

The beam is supported by a rope, which attaches it to a fixed wall.
Making an angle of 50 degrees with the wall. Find the tension in
the tie rope and the components of the force exerted by the hinge
on the beam.

5. The uniform boom, as shown, weighs 803 N. Find the tension in

the cable and in the other 2 segments of the cable supporting the
205 kg load.

6. A uniform beam weighing 205 N and 12.0 m long leans against a

smooth wall with its lower end 6.0 m away from the wall. What are
the reactions of the ground and of the wall at the points of contact?

7. 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