ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 1

UNIT-I
1. Define Engineering Mechanics
Engineering Mechanics is defined as the branch of physical science which deals with the
behaviour of a body at rest or motion under the action of forces.
2. What are the branches of Engineering Mechanics?
a. Rigid body Mechanics
b. Deformable body mechanics (also called strength of materials)
c. Fluid Mechanics
3. Define statics and dynamics
Statics is defined as the branch of rigid body mechanics, which deals with the behaviour
of a body when it is at rest.
Dynamics is defined as the branch of rigid body mechanics which deals with the
behaviour of a body when it is in motion.
4. Distinguish between particle and Rigid body
A body of negligible dimension is called a particle. A large number of particles which
occupy fixed positions with respect to each other both before and after applying a load is
called Rigid body
5. Define Force.
Force is defined as an agent which changes or tends to change the state of rest or of uniform
motion of a body. It represents the push or pull exerted by one body on another. It is a
vector quantity.
6. What are the characteristics of a force?
The characterizes of a force is that the force is a vector quantity which has Magnitude,
Line of action, and direction with angle of inclination
7. State Newton's laws of motion
Newton's first law: Everybody preserves in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a
straight line, unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed there on.
Newton's second law: The acceleration of a particle will be proportional to the force and
will be in the direction of the force (ie. F = ma)
Newton's third law: To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction
8. State the Principle of transmissibility.
It states that “any force at a point on a rigid body can be transmitted to act at any other
point along its line of action without changing its effect on the rigid body”

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 2

9. The direction angles of a line are, x = 65 °, y = 110°. Find z

cos2x +cos2y + cos2z = 1

cos265 +cos2110 +cos2z =1
2
0.1786+0.1168+ cos 0z =1
z = 32.940 0r 147.10
10. Define Coplanar & concurrent forces.
Coplanar Forces: In coplanar force system, lines of action of all forces lie on a same
plane.
Concurrent forces: In concurrent force system, lines action of all forces intersects at a
point.
11. What is Non-coplanar (or spatial) force system?
In Non-coplanar (or spatial) force system, lines of action of al forces lie on different
planes
12. Define collinear and Parallel force system?
In collinear force system, all the forces lie on a single line.
In parallel force system, lines of action of all forces are parallel to each other.
13. State the difference between internal and external forces.
External forces: The forces which represent the action of other bodies on the rigid body
considered and which are responsible for the external behaviour of the rigid body are
called as 'External forces'.
Internal forces: The forces which hold together the forming the rigid body or holding the
component parts together are called as internal forces.
14. Define resultant force?
Resultant force is a single equivalent force which can replace the given force system for
an equivalence of effect
15. State parallelogram law of forces?
It states that "If two forces acting simultaneously on a particle be represented in magnitude
and direction by the two adjacent sides of a parallelogram their resultant may be
represented magnitude and direction by the diagonal of the parallelogram which passes
through their point of intersection.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 3

16. State triangle law of forces?

It states that "If two forces acting simultaneously on a particle represented in magnitude
and direction by the two sides triangle, taken in order, their resultant may be represented
magnitude and direction by the third side of the triangle, taken opposite order".
17. State polygon law of forces?
It states that "If a number of forces acting simultaneously on a particle be represented in
magnitude and direction, by the sides of a polygon taken in order, then the resultant of all
these forces may be represented in magnitude and direction, by the closing side of the
polygon, taken in opposite order".
18. State the principle of resolution?
The algebraic sum of the resolved parts of a number of forces in a given direction is equal
to the resolved part of their resultant in the same direction of their resultant and in the same
direction.
19. What is the significance of parallelogram law in statics of particles?
Parallelogram law is used to find the resultant of two concurrent coplanar forces It can be
applied by both analytically and graphically.
20. Define equilibrium?
A body is said to be in a state of equilibrium, if the body is either at rest or is moving at a
constant velocity.
21. State Lami's theorem?
It states that, "If three coplanar forces acting at a
point be in equilibrium, then each force is
proportional to the sine of the angle between the
other two".

22. What are the three equations of equilibrium?

1. FX = 0
The algebraic sum of the horizontal for must be zero. ie., sum of the left hand side
forces must be equal to sum of the right hand side forces.
2.  FY = 0
The algebraic sum of the vertical forces must be zero. ie. Sum of the upward
forces must be equal to sum of the downward forces

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 4

3. M=0
The algebraic sum of the moments about a point must be zero ie., sum of the
clockwise moments about a point must be equal to sum of the anticlockwise
moments about the same Point.
23. What is Free body diagram?
Its a sketch of the particle which represents it as being isolated from its surroundings. It
represents all the forces acting on it

24. A force F  9i  6 j  15k acts through the origin. What is the magnitude of the force
and the angle it makes with X, Y and Z axis?

25. Find the magnitude of the resultant of the two concurrent forces of magnitude 60 kN
and 40 kN with an included angle of 70° between them.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 5

26. A force of magnitude 500N is passing through the origin and a point A (0.2, 1, 0) m.
write the couple form of the force.

27. The maximum and minimum resultant forces of two forces acting on a particle are
40 kN and 10 kN respectively. Determine the magnitude of the two forces.

28. A roller of weight W is rolled over the wooden block shown in

the given figure. Determine the pull F required to just cause the
motion.

 FY  0  FX  0
W  R sin 30  0 F  R cos 30  0
R 3
W F R  3.W
2 2

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 6

UNIT - II
1. The position vector and force are 2i - 3j + 4k and 120i - 260j + 320k respectively. Find
the moment of the Force about the origin. And also find the scalar quantity of the
moment.

Mo  r  F

= (2i - 3j + 4k) X (120i - 260j + 320k)

i j k
 2 3 4
120 260 320

= 80i-160j-160k

Scalar quantity = 240units

2. In the above problem, find the angles made by the moment along x, y and z axes

x = cos -1(Mx/M) = cos -1(80/240) =70.520

Y = cos -1(My/M) = cos -1(-160/240) =131.80

z = cos -1(Mz/M) = cos -1(-160/240) =131.80

3. Find the unit vector along the force F = 2i + 3j + 5k

Unit vector  
 2i  3 j  5k 
2 2  32  5 2

=0.324i+0.489j+0.811k

4. Define the term couple?

A couple is that two forces are of equal magnitude opposite sensed parallel forces, which
lie in the same plane.
5. What are the characteristics of a couple?
a. The algebraic sum of the forces is zero.
b. The algebraic sum of the moments of the forces about any point is the same and
equal to the moment of the couple itself.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 7

6. State Varignon’s theorem?

Varignon’s theorem: if a number of coplanar forces are acting simultaneously on a body,
the algebraic sum of the moments of all the forces about any point is equal to the moment
of the resultant force about the same point.
7. Define moment of a force?
The moment of a force about a point is defined as the turning effect of the force about that
point.
Moment = Force x Perpendicular distance
8. For what condition the moment of a force will be zero?
A force produces zero moment about an axis or reference point which intersects the line
of action of the force.
9. What is the difference between a moment and a couple?
The couple is a pure turning effect which may be moved anywhere in its own plane, or into
a parallel plane without change of its effect on the body, but the moment of a force must
include a description of the reference axis about which the moment is taken.
10. What is the difference between a fixed vector and a free vector?
A force which is applied at a particular location on a body is a fixed vector.
Example: A moment.
A force which can be moved anywhere in its own plane or in a parallel plane without
change in its effect on the body is called free vector.
Example: A couple.
11. Explain the concept of moment of a force about an axis.
Moment of a force about an axis is a measure of the tendency of the force to rotate a body
about that axis. If Mo is the moment of the force F about 0, then moment of the force about the
axis ON is,
MON = Mo . ON
12. State the requirements for equilibrium of a body acted upon by a parallel force
system?
(i) The algebraic sum of the forces is zero.
(ii) The algebraic sum of the moments about any point is zero.
13. Draw the free body diagram of a ball (sphere) of weight W, resting on a frictionless
plane surface.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

W

RA
ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 8

14. What are the necessary and sufficient conditions for the equilibrium of a rigid body
in three dimensions?
FX = 0  MX = 0
FY = 0  MY =0
FZ= 0  MZ =0
15. What are the common types of supports used in two dimensions?
(i) Roller support
(ii) Hinged support
(iii) Fixed support
16. What are the common types of supports used in three dimensions?
(i) Ball support
(ii)Ball and Socket support
(iii)Fixed (or Welded) support
17. Define equilibrant?
The force which brings the system of forces into equilibrium is called equilibrant. It is
equal to the resultant force in magnitude collinear but opposite in nature.
18. What are the common types of loads?
(i) Point load (or concentrated load)
(ii)Uniformly distributed load (UDL)
(iii) Uniformly varying load (UVL)
19. A horizontal force of 200 N is applied at A to lift the weight
'W' at C as shown in the figure. Determine the value of
weight 'W’.
Taking Moment about the fulcrum, we get
200 x 0.3 = W x 0.075
W = 800 N

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 9

20. Determine the reaction (in kN) at the

support 'A' for the beam shown in the
figure.

Taking Moment at B,
-RA x 10 + 8 x 4 – 10 x 5 = 0
RA = 1.8 kN (Downwards)
21. Consider a truss PQR loaded at P with a force F
as shown in the figure. What will be the tension
in the member QR.

Fqr = Frp.cos30 = 0.63 F

22. For the loading on truss shown in the figure,
determine the force in member CD.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 10

UNIT -III
1. Define Centre of Gravity.
Centre of Gravity is an imaginary point at which the entire weight of the body is assumed
to act.
2. Define Centre of mass.
Centre of mass is the point where the entire mass of a body is assumed to be concentrated.
3. Define Centroid.
Centre of gravity of a plane (2D) figure is referred as centroid. Centroid is the point at
which the entire area of the figure is assumed to be concentrated
4. Differentiate centroid and Centre of gravity
Centroid is the geometric property of geometrical figures line, area and volume. Centre of
gravity is the physical property of a body like wire, rod, disc and solids
5. State the methods of determining the centre of gravity?
(i) By Geometrical considerations
(ii)Graphical method
(iii)Integration method
(iv)method of moments
6. Write the expressions to find the co-ordinates of centroid by integration method?

X
 x .dA
s
Y 
 y .dA
s

 dA  dA
7. Write the expressions to find centroid of a composite plane figure?

X
 A.x Y 
 A. y
A A
8. State Pappus and Guldinus theorems.
Theorem I: The area of the surface generated by revolving a plane curve about a non-
intersecting axis in the plane of the curve is equal to the product of length of the curve and
the distance travelled by the centroid G of the curve during revolution.
Theorem II: The volume of the solid generated by revolving a plane area about a non-
intersecting axis in its plane is equal to the product of area and length of the path travelled
by centroid G of the area during revolution.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 11

9. Define moment of inertia of a body.

Moment of inertia (I) about an axis is the algebraic sum of the products of the elements of
mass and the square of the distance of the respective element of mass from the axis.
10. Define Radius of gyration
Radius of gyration of any Lamina defined as the distance from the elemental parts of the
lamina would about a given axis may be given axis at which all the have to be placed, so
as not to alter the moment of inertia about the given axis.

I
k
A
Where I = Moment of inertia, A = Total area of the plane
11. State parallel axis theorem?
Parallel axis theorem states that “ if the moment of inertia of a plane area about an axis
through its centroid be denoted by IXC, the moment of inertia of the area about an axis AB,
parallel to the first and at a distance ‘h’ from the centroid is given by ,
IAB=IXC + Ah2
12. State perpendicular axis theorem?
It states that “if IXX and IYY be the moment of inertia of a plane section about two
perpendicular axis meeting at ‘O’ the moment of inertia IZZ about the axis Z-Z
perpendicular to the plane and passing through the intersection of X-X and Y-Y is given
by the relation, IZZ=IXX+IYY
13. Determine the centroid of the rectangle lamina 55 mm × 25 mm.
X = L/2 = 55/2 = 27.5 mm
Y = b/2 = 25/2 = 12.5 mm
14. Determine the centroid of a semicircular lamina of 50 mm diameter.
D 50
X   25 mm
2 2
4 R 4  25
Y    9.424 mm
3 3

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 12

UNIT-IV
1. Define velocity
The rate of change of displacement of a body with respect to its surroundings in a particular
direction is called the velocity. It is a vector Quantity.
2. Define acceleration
The rate of change of velocity of a body is called acceleration.
3. Define uniform acceleration and variable acceleration
If a body moves in such a way that its velocity changes equal in magnitude in equal
intervals of time, the body is said to be moving with a uniform acceleration.
If a body moves in such a way that its velocity changes unequal in magnitude in equal
intervals of time, the body is said to be moving with a variable acceleration.
4. Explain the difference between kinematics and kinetics.
Kinematics: Study of motion of a body without considering force
Kinetics: Study of motion of a body with considering force.
5. Write the equations of plane motion?
v  u  at
Where, v=Final velocity, u =Initial velocity, a=acceleration,
v 2  u 2  2as t=time taken for displacement, s=distance travelled.
s  ut  2 at
1 2

6. Write the equations of motion of a body under the force of gravity?

v  u  gt Where, v=Final velocity, u =Initial velocity, g = 9.81 m /s2,
v 2  u 2  2 gh t=time taken for displacement, h=height travelled
h  ut  12 gt 2

7. Write the equations of motion of a body against the force gravity?

v  u  gt Where, v=Final velocity, u =Initial velocity, g = 9.81 m /s2,
v 2  u 2  2 gh t=time taken for displacement, h=height travelled
h  ut  12 gt 2

8. Define projectile
A particle, moving under the combined effect of vertical and horizontal forces is called a
projectile
9. Define trajectory
The path traced by a projectile in the space is known as trajectory.
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME
ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 13

10. Define Angle of projection

The angle with the horizontal, at which a projectile is projected is known as the angle of
projection.
11. Define Range of projectile
The distance between the point of projection and the point where the projectile strikes the
ground is known as the Range of projectile.
12. Define Time of Flight?
The total time taken by a projectile to reach maximum height and return back to the
ground is known as time of flight.
13. What is rectilinear motion and curvilinear motion?
The motion of a particle is said to be rectilinear, if it moves along a straight line.
The motion of a particle is said to be curvilinear, if it moves along a curved path.
14. State the principle of conservation of linear momentum.
It states that, if the resultant force acting on a particle is zero, then the linear momentum of
the particle remains constant ie, Final momentum = Initial momentum.
15. State the principle of work and energy.
It states that “when a particle moves from position, S1 to S2 under the action of a force F,
the change in kinetic energy of the particle is equal to the work done by the particle”
16. Define Impulse of a force.
When a large force acts over a short period of time, that force is called an impulsive force
t2
Impulse force   f (t ).dt
t1

17. What is co-efficient of restitution?

The ratio of the magnitude of the impulses during the restitution period and deformation
period is known co-efficient of restitution.
v2  v1
Co-efficient of restitution, e 
u1  u2

18. Define Time of restitution?

It is defined as the time taken by two bodies to regain the original shape, after impact.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 14

19. State D' A1embert's principle.

It states that “The system of forces acting on a body in motion is in dynamic equilibrium,
with the inertia force of the body”.
20. Write the work-energy equation?

1 W 
P.s      v 2  u 2 
2 g 

Where, P- Force, S-distance travelled, W- Weight of the body, g- acceleration due to

gravity, v- Final velocity, u- initial velocity
21. Write Impulse - momentum equation?
F . t  m(V  u )

Where, F- Impulsive force, m- Mass of the body, v- Final velocity, u- Initial velocity
22. What is line of impact?
It is an imaginary line passing through the point of contact and normal to the plane of
contact.
23. What is direct impact?
In direct impact, the velocities of the two colliding bodies, before collision are collinear
with the line of impact.
24. What is oblique Impact?
In oblique Impact, the velocities of the two colliding bodies, before collision are not
collinear with the line of impact
25. What is central impact and non-central impact?
In central impact, the line of impact passes through the mass centres of the bodies
In Non - central impact, the line of impact does not passes -through the mass centres of
the bodies.
26. What is direct central impact?
In direct central impact, the velocities of the colliding bodies are directed along the line of
impact and the line of impact passes through the mass centres of the colliding bodies
27. What is oblique central impact?
In Oblique central impact, the velocities of the colliding bodies are not directed along the
line of impact but the line of impact passes through the mass centres of the colliding bodies.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 15

28. State Newton’s law of collision.

It states that "for two colliding bodies, their relative velocity of separation bears a constant
ratio to their relative velocity of approach"
29. A body moves along a straight line so that its displacement from a fixed point on the
line is given by s = 3t2+2t. Find the velocity and acceleration at the end of 3 seconds.

30. A point P moves along a straight line according to the equation x = 4t3-2t-5, where x
is in meters. t is in seconds. Determine the velocity and acceleration when t = 3sec

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 16

31. A train running at 80 km/h is brought to a standing halt after 50 seconds. Find the
retardation and the distance traveled by the train before it comes to rest.

32. A particle of mass 10kg falls vertically from a height of 100m from ground. What is
the change in potential energy when it has reached a height of 50m?

33. A stone is dropped from the top of a tower. It strikes the ground after four seconds.
Find the height of the tower

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 17

34. A rigid body is acted upon by a force of 100 N, the velocity of body changes from 15
m/s to 25 m/s during a period of 50 s. Find the mass of body and the distance moved
by the body during the time of interval.

35. A rigid body rotates about a fixed axis. Write the expression for angular velocity
when the rotation is uniformly accelerated.
2 N
 Where, N is the Speed in revolution per minute (rpm)
60
36. A bullet enters a plank of 30 mm thickness with a velocity of 100 m/s and emerges
out from the plank with a velocity of 50 m/s. What is the minimum thickness of the
plank so that the bullet remains embedded in the plank?

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 18

UNIT – V
1. Define friction
Friction may be defined as a force of resistance acting on a body which prevents or retards
slipping of the body relative to a second body or surface with which it is in contact.
2. Define static friction
Static friction between two bodies is the tangential force which opposes the sliding of one
body relative to the other.
3. Define Dynamic friction or Kinetic Friction.
Dynamic friction is the tangential force between two bodies after motion begins
4. Define Angle of Friction.
Angle of friction is the angle between the line of action of the total reaction of one body on
another and the normal to the common tangent between the' bodies when motion is
impending.
5. Define Limiting Friction
Limiting friction 'F' is the maximum value of static friction that occurs when motion is
impending.
6. Define Co-efficient of static friction.
Coefficient of static friction is the ratio of the Static friction to the normal reaction. It is
denoted by µS.
Static Friction F
s   R
Normal reaction N R

7. Define coefficient of Dynamic friction.

Coefficient of Dynamic friction is the ratio of the Dynamic friction to the normal
reaction. It is denoted by µk.
Kinetic Friction FR
k  
Normal reaction N R

8. Define Angle of repose

Angle of repose () is the angle to which an inclined plane may be raised before an
object resting on it will move under the action of the force of gravity.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 19

9. Define cone of friction.

It is defined as the right circular cone with vertex at the point of contact of the two bodies
(or surface) axis in the direction of normal reaction (R) and semi vertical angle equal to
angle of friction.
10. Define Solid Friction or Dry Friction.
If between two surfaces, no lubrication (oil or grease) used, the friction that exists
between two surfaces is called solid friction.
11. What is the sliding friction and Rolling friction?
Sliding Friction: It is the friction, experienced by a body when it slides over another
body.
Rolling Friction: It is the friction, experienced by a body when it rolls over the other.
12. State the Laws of static friction?
a) The force of friction always acts in a direction opposite to that in which the body tends
to move.
b) The Magnitude of the force of friction is equal to the force, which tends to move the
body.
c) Limiting friction bears a constant ratio to the normal reaction between the two surfaces
d) The force of friction is independent of the area of contact between the two surfaces
e) The force of friction depends upon the roughness of the surfaces.

13. What is impending motion?

The motion is said to be impending if the applied forces are such that the body is just about
to slide
14. When a screw is said to be self-locking.
If the friction angle is larger than the lead angle of screw, the load will remain in plane
even after the removal of effort. This Condition is said to be self-locking.
15. Draw the free body diagram of a ladder of weight W, leaning against a smooth wall
and rough floor.

RB

NA

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME

ME18201 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS Page: 20

16. A block of weight W, kept on a levelled rough surface is acted upon by a tensile
force F. Draw the free body diagram.
W
F F
A
A
FR

NR
17. A flat belt develops a tight side tension of 2000N during power transmission, the
coefficient of friction between pulley and belt is 0.3, the angle of lap on smaller pulley
is 165º. Determine the tension in the slack side of the belt.
TTight
 e 
TSlack

2000 (0.3165 )
e 180
TSlack
TSlack  843.19 N

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SVCE Prepared By M.MAHESWARAN, AP/ME