Chapter 2

Statics of Particles
 Contents
Application Sample Problem 2.3
Introduction Equilibrium of a Particle
Forces on a Particle: Resultant of Two Free-Body Diagrams and Problem
Forces Solving
Vectors Sample Problem 2.4
Addition of Vectors Sample Problem 2.6
Resultant of Several Concurrent Forces Expressing a Vector in 3-D Space
Sample Problem 2.1 Sample Problem 2.7
Sample Problem 2.2
Rectangular Components of a Force:
Unit Vectors
Addition of Forces by Summing X and
Y Components
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 Application
The tension in the cable supporting this
person can be found using the concepts
in this chapter.

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 Resultant of Two Forces
• force: action of one body on another;
characterized by its point of
application, magnitude, line of
action, and sense.

• Experimental evidence shows that

the combined effect of two forces
may be represented by a single
resultant force.
• The resultant is equivalent to the
diagonal of a parallelogram
which contains the two forces in
adjacent legs.

• Force is a vector quantity.

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 Addition of Vectors
• Parallelogram law for vector addition
• Triangle rule for vector addition
• Law of cosines,
R 2 = P 2 + Q 2 − 2 PQ cos B
r r r
R = P+Q

• Law of sines (using figure (a) at left),

sin A sin B sin C
= =
Q R P

• Vector addition is commutative,

r r r r
P+Q =Q+ P

• Vector subtraction

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 Sample Problem 2.1 1

Strategy:
• Graphical solution - construct a
parallelogram with sides in the same
direction as P and Q and lengths in
proportion to these forces.
Graphically evaluate the resultant
that is equivalent in direction and
proportional in magnitude to the
diagonal.
The two forces act on a bolt at
A. Determine their resultant. • Trigonometric solution - use the
triangle rule for vector addition in
conjunction with the law of cosines
and law of sines to find the resultant.

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 Sample Problem 2.1 2

Modeling and Analysis:

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 Sample Problem 2.1 3

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 Sample Problem 2.2 1

Strategy:
• Find a graphical solution by applying
the Parallelogram Law for vector
addition. The parallelogram has sides
in the directions of the two ropes and a
diagonal in the direction of the barge
axis and length proportional to 5000 lb.
A barge is pulled by two
tugboats. If the resultant of the • Find a trigonometric solution by
forces exerted by the tugboats applying the Triangle Rule for vector
is 5000 lb directed along the addition. With the magnitude and
axis of the barge, determine the direction of the resultant known and
tension in each of the ropes the directions of the other two sides
when  = 45o. parallel to the ropes given, apply the
Law of Sines to find the rope tensions.
Discuss with a neighbor how
you would solve this problem.

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 Sample Problem 2.2 2

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 What if…? 1

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 Rectangular Components of a Force: Unit Vectors
• It’s possible to resolve a force vector into
perpendicular components so that the
resulting
r r parallelogram is a rectangle.
Fx and Fy are referred to as rectangular
vector components and
r r r
F = Fx + Fy
r r
• Define perpendicular unit vectors i and j
that are parallel to the x and y axes.
• Vector components can be expressed as
products of the unit vectors with the scalar
magnitudes of the vector components.
r r r
F = Fx i + Fy j
Fx and Fy are referred
r to as the scalar
components of F

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 Sample Problem 2.3 1

Strategy:
• Resolve each force into rectangular
components.
• Determine the components of the
resultant by adding the
corresponding force components in
the x and y directions.
• Calculate the magnitude and
Four forces act on bolt A as direction of the resultant.
shown. Determine the resultant
of the force on the bolt.

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 Sample Problem 2.3 2

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 Equilibrium of a Particle
• When the resultant of all forces acting on a particle is zero, the particle is in
equilibrium.
• Newton’s First Law: If the resultant force on a particle is zero, the particle
will remain at rest or will continue at constant speed in a straight line.

Particle acted upon by Particle acted upon by three or more forces:

two forces: • graphical solution yields a closed polygon.
• equal magnitude. • algebraic solution.
r r
• same line of action. R = F = 0
• opposite sense. F x =0 F y =0
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 Sample Problem 2.4 1

Strategy:
• Construct a free body diagram for
the particle at the junction of the rope
and cable.
• Apply the conditions for equilibrium
by creating a closed polygon from the
forces applied to the particle.
• Apply trigonometric relations to
determine the unknown force
In a ship-unloading operation, a magnitudes.
3500-lb automobile is supported
by a cable. A rope is tied to the
cable and pulled to center the
automobile over its intended
position. What is the tension in
the rope?
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 Sample Problem 2.4 2

Modeling:

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 Expressing a Vector in 3-D Space 3

If two points on the line of action are given:

Direction of the force is defined

by the location of two points,
M ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and N ( x2 , y2 , z2 )

r
d = vector joining M and N
r r r
= d xi + d y j + d z k
d x = x2 − x1 d y = y2 − y1 d z = z2 − z1
r r
F = F
r 1 r r r
( )
 = d xi + d y j + d z k
d
Fd x Fd y Fd z
Fx = Fy = Fz =
d d d

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 Sample Problem 2.7 1

Strategy:
• Based on the relative locations of the
points A and B, determine the unit
vector pointing from A towards B.
• Apply the unit vector to determine
the components of the force acting
on A.
• Noting that the components of the
The tension in the guy wire is 2500 N. unit vector are the direction
Determine: cosines for the vector, calculate the
a) components Fx, Fy, Fz of the force corresponding direction angles.
acting on the bolt at A,
b) the angles x, y, z defining the
direction of the force (i.e., the
direction angles)
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 Sample Problem 2.7 2

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 Sample Problem 2.7 3

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 End of Chapter 2

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