PHYSICS FORM 5

Chapter 1: Force & Motion II

(1.3 Forces in Equilibrium)

By Ms Maimunah Khairuddin
2021
1.3 Forces in Equilbrium
Learning Standard

Pupils are able to :

1.3.1 Explain forces in equilibrium
1.3.2 Sketch a triangle of forces in equilibrium
1.3.3 Solve problems involving forces in equilibrium
Definition
An object is said to be in equilbrium of forces when the forces acting
on it produce a zero resultant force.
𝐹𝐹 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
Σ𝐹𝐹 = 𝐹𝐹1 + 𝐹𝐹2 + 𝐹𝐹3 + … . = 0 a = 0, F = 0
Triangles of Forces
• Triangle of forces can be drawn to show the equilibrium of three forces acting on
an object.
• The magnitudes of the three forces are represented by the lengths of the sides
of a triangle
• They are drawn in sequence according to the directions of the forces
Solving Problems Involving Forces in Equilibrium
Method 1: Resolution of Forces
Method 2: Scaled drawing of the triangle of forces
Using the sine rule:

Using the cosine rule:

Homework
1. Figure 1 shows three forces in equilibrium.
a. By drawing a scaled triangle of forces, determine
the magnitude of T and S.
b. By referring to the diagram in 1(a), calculate the value of T and S.
2. Figure 2 shows the forces acting on a
box that is stationary on a smooth
inclined plane.
a. Sketch a triangle of forces for the forces
acting on the box.
b. By resolving the weight of the box, W into a component parallel to the smooth inclined plane
and a component perpendicular to the inclined plane, determine the magnitude of R and T.

c. By referring to your diagram in 2(a), calculate the value of R and T.