In this module, we will we discuss about the very basic concept when dealing with forces
which is the idea of equilibrium or balance.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, the student should be able to:
1. Discuss competently the concepts on translational and rotational motion, and torque.
2. Apply vectors in solving equilibrium problems.
When all the forces that act upon an object are balanced, then the object is said to be in a state
of equilibrium. Balance of forces mean that the algebraic sum of all the components of the
forces along the x and the y components must be ZERO. From the figure below, we can say
that the X = 0 ,since it is -30N+30N, and the Y = 0, since it is equal to 50N-50N.
Thus, Equilibrium is the state of a body at rest or in uniform motion, the resultant of all forces
on which is zero.
First Condition of Equilibrium-Translational Equilibrium
-For an object to be in equilibrium, it must be experiencing no acceleration. This means that
both the net force and the net torque on the object must be zero. Here we will discuss the first
condition, that of zero net force.
- In the form of an equation, this first condition is: Fnet=0.
- this condition requires that, the algebraic sum forces acting along axis of motion
must be equal to zero, and happens or where the object is
moving at a constant velocity.
For two-dimensional motion, the net external forces along the typical and axes are zero.
This is written as,
Fx = 0; Fy = 0
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Examples:
1. A 50-N box is slid straight across the floor at constant speed by a force of 25 N, as shown in
figure. a) How much friction force impedes the motion of the box? (b) How large is the normal
force? (c) Find coefficient of kinetic friction(µk) between the box and the floor.
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2. The block in the figure shown below is at rest. The angle of the incline is slowly increased. At
an angle of 42°, the block begins to slide. What is the coefficient of static friction( s) between
the block and the incline?
FBD:
Wx f
Wy
Solution:
Using the FBD, solve for the N, Fy=0, we have,
To find the frictional force, f, Fx=0, we have,
Second Condition of Equilibrium-Rotational Equilibrium
-The second condition of static equilibrium says that the net torque acting on the object must
be zero.
=0
- we can say that the sum of the clockwise torques around an axis is equal to the sum of the
counterclockwise torques around the same axis.
- A rotating body or system can be in equilibrium if its rate of rotation is constant and remains
unchanged by the forces acting on it.
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- The magnitude of torque about the axis of rotation is given by the formula: .
Where: = torque, defined as a rotational or twisting effect of a force; Torque is a measure of
the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis; its SI unit is newton-
meter(Nm), or the unit foot-pound (ft-lb)
r = is the moment arm or the distance of the object from the axis of rotation
F = force in newton
= angle between the force and the distance, r
This figure illustrates how torque is experienced by
a rotating object due to a force applied to it from
the axis.
axis
Examples:
1. Find the torque about axis A due to each of the forces shown.
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2. Where must a 0.80-kN object be hung on a uniform, horizontal, rigid 100-N pole so that a girl
pushing up at one end supports one-third as much as a woman pushing up at the other end?
Given:
ACTIVITY 4.1
PROBLEM SOLVING: Copy the questions in your formatted short bond papers and show your
complete and neat solutions. No erasures allowed. Take a picture or scan your paper and upload
it in our canvas class on or before the due date.
1. In the figure shown below, the system is in equilibrium. (a) What is the maximum value
that the hanging weight can have if the friction force on the 40-N block cannot exceed
12.0 N? (b) What is the coefficient of static friction between the block and the tabletop?
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2. Two people, at the ends of a uniform beam that weighs 400 N, hold the beam at an
angle of 25.0° to the horizontal. How large a vertical force must each person furnish to
the beam? Draw the free body diagram.
SUMMARY
Let us now summarize the topics that we have learned from this module:
1.
2. An object is in translational equilibrium when the vector sum of all the forces acting on it is
zero.
3. Rotational equilibrium says that the net torque acting on the object must be zero.
4. Torque is the ability of an object to rotate about a given axis.
Assessment
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