Topic 2

Forces and Laws of Motion

2.1 Newton’s Laws
2.2 Free Body Diagram

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

• Explain the motion of an object using Newton’s first Law.

• Explain the relationship of force, mass and acceleration of an object using
Newton’s Second law.
• Explain action and reaction forces using Newton’s third law.
• Identify the types of forces in a static system.
• Draw the outline of the body or particle of a force system by isolating it from
its surrounding.
• Identify the reactions in the body according to the types of contact and
supports in a system.
• Construct free body diagram of a force system by indicating all external and
reaction forces and moments.
2.1 Newton’s Laws

1st Law :
A body will continue to be in a state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line,
unless there is an unbalanced force acting on it.

2nd Law:
If the resultant force acting on a body is not zero, the body will have an
acceleration proportional to the magnitude of the resultant force and takes place
in the direction of the straight line in which the resultant force acts.
F = ma
3rd Law:
To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction expressing the same
magnitude, and same line of action.
2.1.1 Force and its representation

Force can be defined as the action on a body that will cause the
body to accelerate. The unit of measurement for force is Newton
(N). A force of 1 Newton (N) will give a mass of 1 kg an
acceleration of 1 ms-2.
Force can be originated via different means: Fictional,
gravitational, magnetic, electrostatic, hydrostatic and drag.
2.1.1 Force and its representation

Concentrated Force or Point Load – force acting at a point.

Point of
Application
 – force
direction
 – force
direction

Point of
Application
 2.1.2 Principle of Transmissibility

This principle states that the motion of a rigid body will remain unchanged if
the force acting at a given point on the body is replaced by a force of the same
magnitude and direction but acting at different point along the line of action

Body Line of Action

P P
A B

The force P acting on a body at point A may be applied at B or any other point
along its line of action and the net effect of P on the body will not change. The
effect of P on the body is the motion of the body along the ground.
 2.1.2 Principle of Transmissibility

Example: For the system of forces shown acting on the circular plate below,
when all these forces are extended along their lines of action, they meet at the
centre of the plate.

A
60o A
B 60o
20o B
=> Principle of Transmissibility 20o

C C
2.2 Free Body Diagram

Simplified drawing of an object (the body) or system in a problem,

Shows all forces acting on the object or system.

Free because the diagrams is drawn without its surroundings;

Eliminates unnecessary information which might be given in a

problem.
75o
60o
5kg

15o
30o

49.1N

A sphere resting on a groove (Left), with the FBD (Right).

2.2 Free Body Diagram

Example :
2.2 Free Body Diagram

Main forces in FBD.

•Gravitational Force
•Normal Force
•Friction
•Push or Pull
•Tension
2.2 Free Body Diagram

Gravity – cause an object to accelerate towards earth centre.

g = 9.81 m/s2.

Newton's Second Law : Force = mg

2.2 Free Body Diagram

Normal Force - force which prevents objects from 'falling' into

whatever they are sitting upon.

It is always perpendicular (or normal) to the surface with which

an object is in contact.
2.2 Free Body Diagram

Frictional Force - Due to contact with surface, parallel to surface

of contact. Always oppose motion.
2.2 Free Body Diagram

Push and Pull – Physical applied forces.

F
F
2.2 Free Body Diagram

Tension –Pulling force in a rope, cable. Tension is the same

throughout the rope or cable.

T T

T = 20 x 9.81
= 196.2 N
2.2.1 Free Body Diagram - Modelling the Action of Forces
Type of Contact and Force Origin Action on Body to Be Isolated

1. Flexible cable, belt, Force exerted by a flexible

chain, or rope. cable is always a tension
away from the body in the
 direction of the cable.

T

2. Smooth Surfaces. Force is always perpendicular to the

surface


2.2.1 Free body diagram convention

Type ofSupport
Contactorand Force Origin
connection ActionFree
on Body
bodytodiagram
Be Isolated
There is a normal reaction as well as
3. Rough Surfaces.
a frictional force, which oppose the
motion
Motion


Friction
force 

4. Roller support Force is always

perpendicular to the
surface
N

N
2.2.1 Free body diagram convention

TypeSupport
of Contact and Force Origin
or connection Action onbody
Free Bodydiagram
to Be Isolated

5. Freely sliding guide. Force is perpendicular to the axis of

guide

N
N

A freely hinged pin can support a force in any

6. Pin connection. direction. Therefore it is more common to draw the
diagram on the right with the x and y components of
the reactions.  can than be determined by
trigonometry.
Must be free R
Rxx
to rotate

 Ry
R
2.2.1 Free body diagram convention

Type Support
of Contact
or and Force Origin
connection Action on Body
Free to Be Isolated
body diagram
7. Cantiliver or Fixed A cantilever or fixed support is capable of
support. supporting an axial force F, a shear force
F1 V and a moment M, to prevent
rotation.

F2

8. Knife edge support Knife edge can hardly provide frictional force,
therefore it is ignored. The only component
is a reactive force normal to its supported
face.

F
F
 2.2.2 Procedures for drawing of free body diagram.

1. Isolate the body to be analyst from its surrounding by drawing only the
outline shape of the body.
2. Indicate on the drawing all the known given forces that act on the
body. These forces represent the action exerted on the body, such as its
weight and various applied forces.
3. Indicate on the drawing all the unknown forces that act on the body. These
forces are usually the reactive forces, which oppose a possible motion of
the body and constrain it to remain in the same position.
4. Label all known forces with proper magnitudes and directions.
5. Dimension the body to compute for angles, moments of the forces etc.
Example :

The problem FBD