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Problem3.
1 The gure shows the external forces act-

ing on an object in equilibrium. The forces F
1
= 32 N
and F
3
= 50 N. Determine F
2
and the angle .
y
x
30
12
F
1
F
3
F
2
Solution: Write the forces in component form.
F
1
= 32 sin 30
i + 32 cos 30
j
F
1
= 16i + 27.7j N
F
2
= 50 cos 12
i 50 sin 12
j
F
2
= 48.9i 10.4j (N)
F
2
= F
2
cos i F
2
sin j
Sum components in x and y directions
_
Fx = 16 48.9 +F
2
cos = 0
Fy = 27.7 10.4 F
2
sin = 0
Solving, we get
Fz = 37.2 N
= 27.73
y
x
F
1
F
2
F
3
30
12
Problem3.2 The force F

1
= 100 Nand the angle =
60
. The weight of the ring is negligible. Determine the

forces F
2
and F
3
.
x
y
30
F
3
F
2
F
1
Solution: Write the forces in component form.
F
1
= F
1
i + 0j
F
2
= F
2
cos 30
i +F
2
sin 30
j
F
3
= F
3
cos i F
3
sin j
We know
F = 0, thus
Fx = 0 and
Fy = 0. Writing the
equilibrium equations, we have
_
Fx = F
1
F
2
cos 30
F
3
cos = 0
Fy = F
2
sin 30
F
3
sin = 0
F
1
= 100 N, = 60
Solving, we get
F
2
= 86.6 N, F
3
= 50 N
x
y
30
F
3
F
2
F
1
Problem 3.3 Consider the forces shown in Prob-
lem 3.2. Suppose that F
2
= 100 N and you want to
choose the angle so that the magnitude of F
3
is a min-
imum. What is the resulting magnitude of F
3
?
Strategy: Draw a vector diagram of the sum of the
three forces.
Solution: |F
2
| = 100 N, F
1
is horizontal, and
F = 0.
From the diagram, = 90
and |F
3
| = 50 N
F
1
F
3
min F
2
60
30
x
Problem 3.4 The beam is in equilibrium. If A
x
=
77 kN, B = 400 kN, and the beams weight is negligible,
what are the forces A
y
and C?
A
y
B
30
C
A
x
2 m 4 m
Solution:
_
_
_
_
_
+
Fx = Ax C sin 30
= 0
+
Fy = Ay B +C cos 30
= 0
Ax = 77 kN, B = 400 kN
Solving, we get
Ay = 267 kN
C = 154 kN
A
y
B
30
C
A
x
2 m 4 m
Problem3.5 Suppose that the mass of the beamshown
in Problem3.4 is 20 kg and it is in equilibrium. The force
A
y
points upward. If A
y
= 258 kN and B = 240 kN,
what are the forces A
x
and C?
Solution:
_
_
_
_
_
+
Fx = 0 = Ax C sin 30
= 0
+
Fy = 0 = Ay B (20)(9.81) +C cos 30
= 0
Ay = 258 kN, B = 240 kN
Solving, we get
Ax = 103 kN
C = 206 kN
A
x
A
y
B
C
30
(20 kg) (9.81) m/s
2
Problem 3.6 A zoologist estimates that the jaw of a
predator, Martes, is subjected to a force P as large as
800 N. What forces T and M must be exerted by the
temporalis and masseter muscles to support this value of
P?
T
22
P
M
36
Solution: Resolve the forces into scalar components, and solve
the equilibrium equations. . .Express the forces in terms of horizontal
and vertical unit vectors:
T = |T|(i cos 22
+j sin 22
) = |T|(0.927i + 0.375j)
P = 800(i cos 270
+j sin 270
) = 0i 800j
M = |M|(i cos 144
+j sin 144
) = |M|(0.809i + 0.588j)
Apply the equilibrium conditions,
F = 0 = T+M+P = 0
Collect like terms:
Fx = (0.927|T| 0.809|M|)i = 0
Fy = (0.375|T| 0.588|M| 800)j = 0

Solve the rst equation, |T| =
_
0.809
0.927
_
|M| = 0.873|M|
Substitute this value into the second equation, reduce algebraically,
and solve: |M| = 874 N, |T| = 763.3 N
T
22
P
M
36
Problem 3.7 The two springs are identical, with un-
stretched lengths 250 mm and spring constants k =
1200 N/m.
(a) Draw the free-body diagram of block A.
(b) Draw the free-body diagram of block B.
(c) What are the masses of the two blocks?
B
A
300 mm
280 mm
Solution: The tension in the upper spring acts on block A in the
positive Y direction, Solve the spring force-deection equation for
the tension in the upper spring. Apply the equilibrium conditions
to block A. Repeat the steps for block B.
T
UA
= 0i +
_
1200
N
m
_
(0.3 m 0.25 m)j = 0i + 60j N
Similarly, the tension in the lower spring acts on block Ain the negative
Y direction
T
LA
= 0i
_
1200
N
m
_
(0.28 m 0.25 m)j = 0i 36j N
The weight is W
A
= 0i |W
A
|j
The equilibrium conditions are
F =
Fx +
Fy = 0,
F = W
A
+T
UA
+T
LA
= 0
Collect and combine like terms in i, j
Fy = (|W
A
| + 60 36)j = 0
Solve |W
A
| = (60 36) = 24 N
The mass of A is
m
A
=
|W
L
|
|g|
=
24 N
9.81 m/s
2
= 2.45 kg
The free body diagram for block B is shown.
The tension in the lower spring T
LB
= 0i + 36j
The weight: W
B
= 0i |W
B
|j
Apply the equilibrium conditions to block B.
F = W
B
+T
LB
= 0
Collect and combine like terms in i, j:
Fy = (|W
B
| + 36)j = 0
Solve: |W
B
| = 36 N
The mass of B is given by m
B
=
|W
B
|
|g|
=
36 N
9.81 m/s
2
= 3.67 kg
B
A
300 mm
280 mm
A
Tension,
upper spring
Tension,
lower
spring
Weight,
mass A
B
Tension,
lower spring
Weight,
mass B
x
y
Problem3.8 The two springs in Problem3.7 are iden-
tical, with unstretched lengths 250 mm and spring con-
stants k. The sum of the masses of blocks A and B is
10 kg. Determine the value of k and the masses of the
two blocks.
Solution: All of the forces are in the vertical direction so we will use
scalar equations. First, consider the upper spring supporting both masses
(10 kg total mass). The equation of equilibrium for block the entire assem-
bly supported by the upper spring is A is T
UA
(m
A
+ m
B
)g = 0,
where T
UA
= k(
U
0.25) N. The equation of equilibrium for block
B is T
UB
m
B
g = 0, where T
UB
= k(
L
0.25) N. The equa-
tion of equilibrium for block A alone is T
UA
+ T
LA
m
A
g = 0 where
T
LA
= T
UB
. Using g = 9.81 m/s
2
, and solving simultaneously, we get
k = 1962 N/m, m
A
= 4 kg, and m
B
= 6 kg .
Problem 3.9 The 200-kg horizontal steel bar is sus-
pended by the three springs. The stretch of each spring
is 0.1 m. The constant of spring B is k
B
= 8000 N/m.
Determine the constants k
A
= k
C
of springs A and C.
A B C
Solution:
= 0.1 m
K
A
= K
C
+
Fy = K
A
+K
B
+K
C
(200)(9.81) = 0
2K
A
(0.1) + (8000)(0.1) = 1962 N
Solving
K
A
= 5810 N/m = K
C
A B C
K
A
K
B
K
C
(200) (9.81) N
Problem 3.10 The mass of the crane is 20 Mg (mega-
grams), and the tension in its cable is 1 kN. The cranes
cable is attached to a caisson whose mass is 400 kg. De-
termine the magnitudes of the normal and friction forces
exerted on the crane by the level ground.
Strategy: Drawthe free-bodydiagramof the crane and
the part of its cable within the dashed line.
45
Solution: Resolve the forces into scalar components, and solve
the equilibrium equations.
The external forces are the weight, the friction force, the normal force,
and the tension in the cable. The weight vector is
W= 0i mc|g|j = 0i (20000 kg)(9.81 m/s
2
)j W= 0i 196,200j
The normal force vector is N = (0i + Ny + j). The friction force
by denition acts at right angles to the normal force, in a direction that
holds the crane in place.
Fx = |Fx|i + 0j
The angle between the tension vector and the positive xaxis is 45
=
315
, hence the tension vector projection is

T = |T|(i cos 315
+j sin 315
) = 707i 707j N
The equilibrium conditions are,
Fx = (|Fx| + 707)i =0,
Fy = (|Ny| 707 196200)j =0

45
y
x
45
F
N
W
T
Solve:
|Fx| = 707 N |Ny| = 196200 + 707 = 196,907 N.
Thus the friction force is directed toward the left, and the normal force
acts upward.
Problem 3.11 What is the tension in the horizontal
cable AB in Example 3.1 if the 20
angle is increased
to 25
?
Solution:
m = 1440 kg
mg = (1440)9.81
Fx = T N sin 25
= 0
Fy = N cos 25
mg = 0
or
_
T N sin 25
= 0
N cos 25
14.126 kN = 0
Solving, we get
T = 6.59 kN, N = 15.59 kN
25
A B
mg
N
T
x
y
25
Problem 3.12 The 2400-lb car will remain in equilib-
riumon the sloping road only if the friction force exerted
on the car by the road is not greater than 0.6 times the
normal force. What is the largest angle for which the
car will remain in equilibrium?
Solution:
Fx = W sin f = 0,
Fy = N W cos = 0.
Set f = 0.6 N and write the equilibrium equations as
W sin = 0.6 N, (1)
W cos = N. (2)
Divide Eq. (1) by Eq. (2):
sin
cos
= tan = 0.6.
Solving, = 31.0
f
N
W
x
y
Problem 3.13 The crate is in equilibrium on the
smooth surface. (Remember that smooth means that
friction is negligible). The spring constant is k =
2500 N/m and the stretch of the spring is 0.055 m. What
is the mass of the crate?
20 20 20
Solution:
K = 2500 N/m
= 0.055 m
+
Fx = K +m(9.81) sin 20
= 0
+
Fy = N-m(9.81) cos 20
= 0
_
(2500)(0.055) + 3.355 m = 0
N 9.218 m = 0
Solving, m = 41.0 kg, N = 378 (N)
20
K
y
x
N
20
mg = 9.81 m
Problem 3.14 A 600-lb box is held in place on the
smooth bed of the dump truck by the rope AB.
(a) If = 25
, what is the tension in the rope?

(b) If the rope will safely support a tension of 400 lb,
what is the maximum allowable value of ?
A
B
Solution: Isolate the box. Resolve the forces into scalar compo-
nents, and solve the equilibrium equations.
The external forces are the weight, the tension in the rope, and the
normal force exerted by the surface. The angle between the x axis and
the weight vector is (90 ) (or 270 +). The weight vector is
W= |W|(i sin j cos ) = (600)(i sin j cos )
The projections of the rope tension and the normal force are
T = |Tx|i + 0j N = 0i +|Ny|j
F = W+N+T = 0
Substitute, and collect like terms
Fx = (600 sin |Tx|)i = 0
Fy = (600 cos +|Ny|)j = 0

Solve for the unknown tension when
= 25
|Tx| = 600 sin = 253.6 lb.

For a tension of 400 lb, (600 sin 400) = 0. Solve for the unknown
angle
sin =
400
600
= 0.667 or = 41.84
A
B
T
N
W
y
x
Problem 3.15 Three forces act on the free-body dia-

gram of a joint of a structure. If the structure is in equi-
librium and F
A
= 4.20 kN, what are F
B
and F
C
?
15
40
F
A
F
C
F
B
Solution:
_
_
_
Fx = F
A
cos 40
F
B
cos 15
= 0
Fy = F
A
sin 40
F
B
sin 15
F
C
= 0
F
A
= 4.20 kN
Substitute in the value for F
A
and solve the resulting two equations in
two unknowns. We get
F
B
= 3.33 kN, F
C
= 1.84 kN
40
15
F
A
F
C
F
B
y
x
F
A
F
C
F
B
40
15
Problem3.16 The weights of the twoblocks are W
1
=
200 lb and W
2
= 50 lb. Neglecting friction, determine
the force the man must exert to hold the blocks in place?
30
30
W
1
W
2
Solution: Isolate block W
2
and apply equilibrium conditions.
Repeat for block W
1
.
For W
2
: The weight vector: W
2
= 0i 50j
The rope tension: T
2
= 0i +|T
2
|j
Fx = 0,
Fy = (50 +|T
2
|)j = 0, or |T
2
= 50
For W
1
: The magnitude of the rope tension |T
2
| is unchanged by
passage over the frictionless lower pulley, hence,
T
2
= |T
2
|i + 0j = 50i + 0j.
The rope tension T
1
: T
1
= |T
1
|i + 0j. The normal force is
N = 0i +|N|j. The angle between the x axis and the weight vector
is (90 ) (or 270 +). The projection of the weight vector is
W= |W|(i sin j cos ) = 100i 173.2j.
F = T
1
+T
2
+N+W
1
= 0
Substitute and collect like terms,
Fx = (|T
1
+ 50 + 100)i = 0,
Fy = (|N173.2)j = 0
Solve: |T
1
| = 150 lb. Since the frictionless pulley does not change
the magnitude of the rope tension, then the tension at the mans hands is
|T
1
| = 150 lb.
30
30
W
1
W
2
x
x
y
y
T
2
T
1
T
2
W
2
W
1
N
Problem 3.17 The two springs have the same unstret-

ched length, and the inclined surface is smooth. Show
that the magnitudes of the forces exerted by the two
springs are
F
1
=
W sin
1 +
k2
k1
, F
2
=
W sin
1 +
k1
k2
k
2
k
1
W
Solution: Isolate the block. Apply the linear spring force-

deection relations to nd the ratios of the spring forces. The spring
forces are,
F
1
= |F
1
|i + 0j, F
2
= |F
2
|i + 0j.
The normal force is, N = 0i + |N|j. The angle between the x axis
and the weight vector is (90 ) (or 270 +). The weight vector
is
W = |W|(i sin j cos ).
F = W+N+F
1
+F
2
= 0.
Fx = (|W| sin |F
1
| |F
2
|)i = 0,
Fy = (|N| W cos )j = 0.
For equal extensions, L
1
= L
2
= L, the forces are |F
1
| =
k
1
L, and |F
2
| = k
2
L.
The ratio is,
|F
1
|
|F
2
|
=
_
k
1
k
2
_
.
Substitute to eliminate the unknowns |F
2
|, and |F
1
|. Solve,
|F
2
| =
|W| sin
_
1 +
k
1
k
2
_, |F
1
| =
|W| sin
_
1 +
k
2
k
1
_
k
2
k
1
W
F
1
F
2
x
y
N
W
Problem 3.18 A 10-kg painting is suspended by a
wire. If = 25
, what is the tension in the wire?

Solution: Isolate support pin xed to the wall or other support.
The angle of the right hand wire with the positive x axis is , hence
the tension is
F
2
= |F
2
|(i cos j sin )
The angle of the left hand wire is (180
+) hence
F
1
= |F
1
|(i cos j sin ).
The weight is W= 0i +|W|j
F = W+F
1
+F
2
= 0
Substitute the vector forces, and collect like terms,
Fx = (|F
2
| cos |F
1
| cos )i = 0,
Fy = (|W| |F
2
| sin |F
1
| sin )j = 0.
Thus |F
1
| = |F
2
|, and
|F
1
| = |F
2
| =
1
2
_
|W|
sin
_
.

W
y
x
F
1
F
2

With = 25
and |W| = (10 kg)

_
9.81
m
s
2
_
= 98.1 N
|F
1
| = |F
2
| =
_
1
2
__
98.1
0.423
_
= 116.06 N
Problem 3.19 If the wire supporting the suspended
painting in Problem 3.18 breaks when the tension ex-
ceeds 150 N and you want a 100 percent safety factor
(that is, you want the wire to be able to support twice the
actual weight of the painting), what is the smallest value
of you can use?
Solution: From Problem 3.18
|F
1
| = |F
2
| =
1
2
_
W
sin
_
and |W| = (10 kg)
_
9.81
m
s
2
_
= 98.1 N.
Thus
sin =
_
1
2
__
98.1
|F|
_
For a tension |F| =
150
2
= 75,
sin =
_
1
2
__
98.1
75
_
= 0.654 or = 40.8
W
y
x
F
1
F
2

Problem 3.20 Assume that the 150-lb climber is in
equilibrium. What are the tensions in the rope on the
left and right sides?
14
15
Solution:
_
Fx = T
R
cos(15
) T
L
cos(14
) = 0
Fy = T
R
sin(15
) +T
L
sin(14
) 150 = 0
Solving, we get T
L
= 299 lb, T
R
= 300 lb
14
15
y
x
T
R
T
L
14
15
150 lb
Problem 3.21 If the mass of the climber shown in
Problem 3.20 is 80 kg, what are the tensions in the rope
on the left and right sides?
Solution:
_
Fx = T
R
cos(15
) T
R
cos(14
) = 0
Fy = T
R
sin(15
) +T
R
sin(14
) mg = 0
Solving, we get
T
L
= 1.56 kN, T
R
= 1.57 kN
14 15
T
L
T
R
y
x
mg = (80) (9.81) N
Problem 3.22 A construction worker holds a 180-kg
crate in the position shown. What force must she exert
on the cable?
5
30
Solution: Eqns. of Equilibrium:
_
_
_
Fx = T
2
cos 30
T
1
sin 5
= 0
Fy = T
1
cos 5
T
2
sin 30
mg = 0
mg = (180)(9.81) N
Solving, we get
T
1
= 1867 N T
2
= 188 N
5
30
5
30
y
x
T
1
T
2
mg = (180) (9.81) N
Problem 3.23 A construction worker on the moon
(acceleration due to gravity 1.62 m/s
2
) holds the same
crate described in Problem 3.22 in the position shown.
What force must she exert on the cable?
5
30
Solution Eqns. of Equilibrium
_
_
_
Fx = T
2
cos 30
T
1
sin 5
= 0
Fy = T
1
cos 5
T
2
sin 30
mg = 0
mg = (180)(1.62) N
Solving, we get
T
1
= 308 N T
2
= 31.0 N
5
30
5
30
y
x
T
1
T
2
mg = (180) (1.62) N
Problem 3.24 A student on his summer job needs to
pull a crate across the oor. Pulling as shown in Fig. a, he
can exert a tension of 60 lb. He nds that the crate doesnt
move, so he tries the arrangement in Fig. b, exerting a
vertical force of 60 lb on the rope. What is the magnitude
of the horizontal force he exerts on the crate in each case?
20
(a)
10
(b)
Solution:
(a) The force diagram for part (a) is as shown. The horizontal com-
ponent of the 60 lb is
F
horiz
= (60) cos(20
) = 56.4 lb .
(b) The free body diagram for the point where the students hands
grasp the rope is shown to the right. The equations of equilib-
rium are
Fx = F
oor
cos(10
) F
box
= 0,
and
Fy = 60 lb F
oor
sin(10
) = 0.
Solving these two equations simultaneously, we nd that
F
oor
= 345.5 lb, and F
box
= 340.3 lb .
Note: We should keep this problem in mind when we try to exert
a large force on an object. Here, the oor did most of the pulling
and the arrangement amplied the students effort by a factor
of almost six. Note that the angles are critical in this Problem.
Small changes can make big differences.
20
10
(a)
(b)
y
y
x
x
20
10
60 lb
60 lb
F
box
F
floor
Problem 3.25 The 140-kg trafc light is suspended
above the street by two cables. What is the tension in
the cables?
20 m 20 m
12 m
B
A
B C
Solution: Isolate the trafc light. From symmetry, the angles
formed by the suspension cables are equal.
tan =
_
12 m
20 m
_
= 0.6, = 30.964

= 31
The angle formed by cable C and the +x axis is . The tension is

C = |C|(i cos +j sin ).
The angle formed by cable B and the +x axis is (180
). The
tension is
B = |B|(i cos(180 ) +j sin(180 )).
The weight is W= 0i j|W|. The equilibrium conditions are
F = W+B+C = 0.
Substitute, and collect like terms. From the rst equation, |B| = |C|.
Substitute this into the second equation
|B| = |C| =
_
1
2
__
|W|
sin
_
.
For values of
|W| = (140 kg)
_
9.81
m
s
2
_
= 1373.4 N
and = 30.96
= 31
,
|B| = |C| =
_
1
2
__
1373.4
sin
_
= 1334.7 N.
20 m
12 m
20 m
A
C B
B
C
W
y
x

Problem 3.26 Consider the suspended trafc light in
Problem 3.25. To raise the light temporarily during a
parade, an engineer wants to connect the 17-m length
of cable DE to the midpoints of cables AB and AC as
shown. However, for safety considerations, he doesnt
want to subject any of the cables to a tension larger than
4 kN. Can he do it?
A
17 m
D E
B C
Solution: Determine the length of AC and AB from Prob-
lem 3.26: The distance between support poles is 40 m. The vertical
drop distance of the light is 12 m. Each triangle is a right triangle so
that the length of the cables is
D
AC
= D
AB
=
_
(20)
2
+ (12)
2
= 23.32 m.
Since the cable DE is attached to the midpoint of the cables AC and
AB, ADand AE are each half of this distance, or 11.66 m. The cable
DE is given to be 17 m. From this, the angle is found:
cos =
_
8.5 m
11.66 m
_
= 0.729 = 43.2
.
Isolate the trafc light as shown. The angle formed by cable AD
and the positive x axis is (180
). The tension is: T

AD
=
|T
AD
|(i cos(180 ) +j sin(180 )).
The angle formed by cable AE and the positive x axis is , hence the
tension is T
AE
= |T
AE
|(i cos +j sin ).
The weight is W= 0i j|W|. The equilibrium conditions are
F = W+T
AD
+T
AE
= 0.
Substitute and collect like terms
Fx = (|T
AD
| cos +|T
AE
| cos )i = 0,
Fy = (|T
AD
| sin +|T
AE
| sin |W|)j = 0.
Solve, |T
AD
| = |T
AE
|. . , |T
AD
| = |T
AE
| =
_
1
2
__
|W|
sin
_
.
For |W| = (140 kg)
_
9.81
m
s
2
_
= 1373.4 N
and = 43.2
, |T
AD
| = |T
AE
| =
_
1
2
_ _
1373.4
sin 43.2
_
= 1003 N.
Isolate the cable juncture E as shown. The angle is found as follows:
The cable EC is 11.66 m. The distance between poles 40 m. The cable
DE is 17 m, and cable DE is horizontal. Thus EC projects onto the
x-axis
H
EC
=
_
1
2
_
(40 17) = 11.5 m.
The ratio is the cosine of the angle,
cos =
_
11.5
11.66
_
= 0.9863, or = 9.5
.
From the law of sines:
|T
AD
|
sin
=
|T
CE
|
sin(180 )
from which |T
CE
| = 4159.6 N.
B C
A
17 m
D E
y
y
x
x
E D

A
W
C
D
A
E
Thus the tension in the cable CE exceeds the allowable limit of 4 kN.
Check: Use components: The angle between AE and the positive x axis is
(180
+). The tension in AE is

T
AE
= |T
AE
|(i cos(180 +) +j sin(180 +))
T
AE
= |T
AE
|(i cos j sin ).
The tension in ED is: T
ED
= |T
ED
|i + 0j.
The angle between CE and the positive x axis is .
The tension in CE is: T
CE
= |T
CE
|(i cos +j sin ).
F = T
AE
+T
ED
+T
CE
= 0.
Substitute and collect like terms:
Fx = (|T
AE
| cos |T
ED
| +|T
CE
| cos )i = 0,
Fy = (|T
AE
| sin +|T
CE
| sin )j = 0.
From the second equation, |T
CE
| =
_
sin
sin
_
|T
AE
|.
For = 43.2
, = 9.5
, and |T
AE
| = 1003.2 N,
|T
CE
| =
_
0.6845
0.1651
_
(1003.2) = 4159.6 N check.
Problem3.27 The mass of the suspended crate is 5 kg.
What are the tensions in the cables AB and AC?
10 m
7 m 5 m
A
B C
Solution: Find the interior angles in the gure, then apply the
equilibrium conditions to the isolated crate. Given the triangle shown,
with known sides A, B, and C, nd the unknown interior angles , ,
and using the. law of cosines
B
2
= A
2
+C
2
2AC cos
Solve: cos =
A
2
+C
2
B
2
2AC
. Similarly,
cos =
A
2
+B
2
C
2
2AB
.
For A = 10, B = 7, C = 5, = 27.66
and = 40.54
. The
third angle is
= (180 27.66 40.64) = 111.8
Isolate the cable juncture at A. The angle between the positive x axis
and the tension T
AC
is . The tension is
T
AC
= |T
AC
|(i cos +j sin ).
The angle between the positive x axis and the tension T
AB
is
(180
),
T
AB
= |T
AB
|(i cos(180
) +j sin(180
))
T
AB
= |T
AB
|(i cos +j sin ).
The weight is W= 0i |W|j.
F = W+T
AB
+T
AC
= 0.
Fx = (|T
AC
| cos |T
AB
| cos )i = 0
Fy = (|T
AC
| sin +|T
AB
| sin |W|) = 0
Solve: |T
AC
| =
_
cos
cos
_
|T
AB
|,
|T
AB
| =
_
|W| cos
sin( +)
_
,
|T
AC
| =
_
|W| cos
sin( +)
_
.
For |W| = (5 kg)
_
9.81
m
s
2
_
= 49.05 N,
and = 40.54
, = 27.66
|T
AB
| = 46.79 N,
|T
AC
| = 40.15 N
10 m
7 m
5 m
A
C B
A
C
y
x
B
B
C
W
A
Problem 3.28 What are the tensions in the upper and

lower cables? (Your answers will be in terms of W.
Neglect the weight of the pulley.)
45
30
W
Solution: Isolate the weight. The frictionless pulley changes the
direction but not the magnitude of the tension. The angle between the
right hand upper cable and the x axis is , hence
T
UR
= |T
U
|(i cos +j sin ).
The angle between the positive x and the left hand upper pulley is
(180
), hence
T
UL
= |T
U
|(i cos(180 ) +j sin(180 ))
= |T
U
|(i cos +j sin ).
The lower cable exerts a force: T
L
= |T
L
|i + 0j
The weight: W= 0i |W|j
F = W+T
UL
+T
UR
+T
L
= 0
Fx = (|T
U
| cos +|T
U
| cos |T
L
|)i = 0
Fy = (|T
U
| sin +|T
U
| sin |W|)j = 0.
Solve: |T
U
| =
_
|W|
(sin + sin )
_
,
|T
L
| = |T
U
|(cos cos ).
From which |T
L
| = |W|
_
cos cos
sin + sin
_
.
For = 30
and = 45
|T
U
| = 0.828|W|,
|T
L
| = 0.132|W|
45
30
W
T
U
T
L
T
U
y
x
W

Problem3.29 Twotowtrucks lift a motorcycle out of a
ravine following an accident. If the 100-kg motorcycle
is in equilibrium in the position shown, what are the
tensions in cables AB and AC? B
A
C
(3, 8) m
(10, 9) m
(6, 4.5) m
y
x
Solution: We need to nd unit vectors e
AB
and e
AC
. Then write
T
AB
= T
AB
e
AB
and T
AC
= T
AC
e
AC
. Finally, write and solve
the equations of equilibrium.
For the ring at A.
From the known locations of points A, B, and C,
e
AB
=
r
AB
|r
AB
|
e
AC
=
r
AC
|r
AC
|
r
AB
= 3i + 3.5j m |r
AB
| = 4.61 m
r
AC
= 4i + 4.5j m |r
AC
| = 6.02 m
e
AB
= 0.651i + 0.759j
e
AC
= 0.664i + 0.747j
T
AB
= 0.651T
AB
i + 0.759T
AB
j
T
AC
= 0.664T
AC
i + 0.747T
AC
j
W = mgj = (100)(9.81)j N
For equilibrium,
T
AB
+T
AC
+W= 0
In component form, we have
_
Fx = 0.651T
AB
+ 0.664T
AC
= 0
Fy = +0.759T
AB
+ 0.747T
AC
981 = 0
Solving, we get
T
AB
= 658 N, T
AC
= 645 N
B
A
C
(3, 8) m
(10, 9) m
(6, 4.5) m
y
x
T
AB
T
AC
A
mg = (100) (9.81) N
y
x A (6, 4, 5)
B (3, 8)
C (10, 9)
Problem3.30 An astronaut candidate conducts exper-
iments on an airbearing platform. While he carries out
calibrations, the platform is held in place by the hori-
zontal tethers AB, AC, and AD. The forces exerted by
the tethers are the only horizontal forces acting on the
platform. If the tension in tether AC is 2 N, what are the
tensions in the other two tethers?
3.0 m 1.5 m
B C
TOP VIEW
D
4.0 m
3.5 m
A
Solution: Isolate the platform. The angles and are
tan =
_
1.5
3.5
_
= 0.429, = 23.2
.
Also, tan =
_
3.0
3.5
_
= 0.857, = 40.6
.
The angle between the tether ABand the positive xaxis is (180
),
hence
T
AB
= |T
AB
|(i cos(180
) +j sin(180
))
T
AB
= |T
AB
|(i cos +j sin ).
The angle between the tether AC and the positive xaxis is (180
+).
The tension is
T
AC
= |T
AC
|(i cos(180
+) +j sin(180
+))
= |T
AC
|(i cos j sin ).
The tether ADis aligned with the positive x axis, T
AD
= |T
AD
|i +
0j.
The equilibrium condition:
F = T
AD
+T
AB
+T
AC
= 0.
Fx = (|T
AB
| cos |T
AC
| cos +|T
AD
|)i = 0,
Fy = (|T
AB
| sin |T
AC
| sin )j = 0.
3.5
m
1.5 m
3.0 m
4.0
m
A
B
C
D
B
A
C
D
x
y
Solve: |T
AB
| =
_
sin
sin
_
|T
AC
|,
|T
AD
| =
_
|T
AC
| sin( +)
sin
_
.
For |T
AC
| = 2 N, = 23.2
and = 40.6
,
|T
AB
| = 1.21 N, |T
AD
| = 2.76 N
Problem 3.31 The forces exerted on the shoes and
back of the 72-kg climber by the walls of the chimney
are perpendicular to the walls exerting them. The tension
in the rope is 640 N. What is the magnitude of the force
exerted on his back?
4
10
3
Solution: Draw a free body diagram of the climber-treating all
forces as if they act at a point. Write the forces in components and
then apply the conditions for particle equilibrium.
_
_
_
Fx = F
FEET
cos 4
F
BACK
cos 3
T
ROPE
sin 10
= 0
Fy = F
FEET
sin 4
+F
BACK
sin 3
+T
ROPE
cos 10
mg =0
mg = (72)9.81 N, T
ROPE
= 640 N
Solving, we get
F
BACK
= 559 N, F
FEET
= 671 N
10
3
10
4
x
mg = (72) (9.81) N
F
BACK
F
FEET
T
ROPE
y
Problem 3.32 The slider A is in equilibrium and the
bar is smooth. What is the mass of the slider?
20
45
200 N
A
Solution: The pulley does not change the tension in the rope that
passes over it. There is no friction between the slider and the bar.
Eqns. of Equilibrium:
_
Fx = T sin 20
+N cos 45
= 0 (T = 200 N)
Fy = N sin 45
+T cos 20
mg = 0 g = 9.81 m/s
2
Substituting for T and g, we have two eqns in two unknowns
(N and m).
Solving, we get N = 96.7 N, m = 12.2 kg.
20
45
A
200
y
45
20
N
x
T 200 N
mg = (9.81) g
Problem 3.33 The unstretched length of the spring
AB is 660 mm, and the spring constant k = 1000 N/m.
What is the mass of the suspended object?
350 mm
B
400 mm 600 mm
A
Solution: Use the linear spring force-extension relation to nd
the magnitude of the tension in spring AB. Isolate juncture A. The
forces are the weight and the tensions in the cables. The angles are
tan =
_
350
600
_
= 0.5833, = 30.26
.
tan =
_
350
400
_
= 0.875, = 41.2
.
The angle between the x axis and the spring is . The tension is
T
AB
= |T
AB
|(i cos +j sin ).
The angle between the x axis and AC is (180 ). The tension is
T
AC
= |T
AC
|(i cos(180 ) +j sin(180 ))
T
AC
= |T
AC
|(i cos +j sin ).
The weight is: W= 0i |W|j.
The equilibrium conditions:
F = W+T
AB
+T
AC
= 0.
Fx = (|T
AB
| cos |T
AC
| cos )i = 0,
Fy = (|T
AC
| sin +|T
AB
| sin |W|)j = 0.
Solve: |T
AC
| =
_
cos
cos
_
|T
AB
| and |W| =
_
sin(+)
cos
_
|T
AB
|.
The tension |T
AB
| is found from the linear spring force-deection
relation. The spring extension is
L =
_
(350)
2
+ (600)
2
660 = 694.62 660 = 34.62 mm
350 mm
B
400 mm 600 mm
A
x
y
C
A
B
W
The tension is |T
AB
| = kL = (1000)(0.03462) = 34.6 N.
For = 30.26
and = 41.2
; the weight is
|W| =
_
0.948
0.752
_
(34.6) = 43.62 N;
The mass is m =
_
|W|
|g|
_
=
_
43.62
9.81
_
= 4.447 kg
Problem 3.34 The unstretched length of the spring in
Problem 3.33 is 660 mm. If the mass of the suspended
object is 10 kg and the system is in equilibrium in the
position shown, what is the spring constant?
Solution: First, nd the distance AB to determine the stretched
length of the spring. Write unit vectors from A toward B and from A
toward C. Write the forces, in terms of these unit vectors. Then write
the equations of equilibrium and solve for the unknowns.
From the diagram, A is at (0, 0), B is at (0.6, 0.35) m, and C is at
(0.4, 0.35) m.
_
e
AB
=
r
AB
|r
AB
|
= 0.864i + 0.504j
e
AC
=
r
AC
|r
AC
|
= 0.753i + 0.659j
_
T
AB
= 0.864T
AB
i + 0.504T
AB
j
T
AC
= 0.753T
AC
i + 0.659T
AC
j
W = 0i 98.1j (N)
From our calculations
|r
AB
| = 0.695 m
the stretched length of the spring.
Thus, the stretch in the spring is given by
= |r
AB
|
unstretched
= 0.6946 0.6600 = 0.0346 (m)
We know that
T
AB
= K = 0.0346
The equilibrium equations are
_
Fx = 0.864T
AB
0.753T
AC
= 0
Fy = 0.504T
AB
+ 0.659T
AC
98.1 = 0
Solving, we get
T
AB
= 77.88 N T
AC
= 89.38 N
Finally solving for K, we get
K = 2250 N/m
350 mm
B
400 mm 600 mm
A
C
C
y
x
B
A
T
AC
T
AB
(0,0)
mg = (10) (9.81) N
Problem 3.35 The collar A slides on the smooth ver-
tical bar. The masses m
A
= 20 kg and m
B
= 10 kg.
When h = 0.1 m, the spring is unstretched. When the
system is in equilibrium, h = 0.3 m. Determine the
spring constant k.
B
A
h
k
0.25 m
Solution: The triangles formed by the rope segments and the hor-
izontal line level with A can be used to determine the lengths Lu and
Ls. The equations are
Lu =
_
(0.25)
2
+ (0.1)
2
and Ls =
_
(0.25)
2
+ (0.3)
2
.
The stretch in the spring when in equilibriumis given by = LsLu.
Carrying out the calculations, we get Lu = 0.269 m, Ls = 0.391 m,
and = 0.121 m. The angle, , between the rope at A and the
horizontal when the system is in equilibrium is given by tan =
0.3/0.25, or = 50.2
. From the free body diagram for mass A, we

get two equilibrium equations. They are
Fx = N
A
+T cos = 0
and
Fy = T sin m
A
g = 0.
We have two equations in two unknowns and can solve. We get N
A
=
163.5 N and T = 255.4 N. Now we go to the free body diagram for
B, where the equation of equilibrium is T m
B
g k = 0. This
equation has only one unknown. Solving, we get k = 1297 N/m
0.25 m
h
B
A
k
L
u
L
u
L
s
0.1 m
0.3 m
0.25 m
0.25 m
N
A
A
T
m
A
g
m
B
g
T
B
K
Problem 3.36 You are designing a cable system to
support a suspended object of weight W. The two wires
must be identical, and the dimension b is xed. The ratio
of the tension T in each wire to its cross-sectional area
A must equal a specied value T/A = . The cost
of your design is the total volume of material in the two
wires, V = 2A
b
2
+h
2
. Determine the value of h that
minimizes the cost.
W
b
h
b
Solution: From the equation
Fy = 2T sin W = 0,
we obtain T =
W
2 sin
=
W
b
2
+h
2
2h
.
Since T/A = , A =
T
=
W
b
2
+h
2
2h
and the cost is V = 2A
b
2
+h
2
=
W(b
2
+h
2
)
h
.
To determine the value of h that minimizes V , we set
dV
dh
=
W
(b
2
+h
2
)
h
2
+ 2
_
= 0
and solve for h, obtaining h = b.
T
T
W
Problem 3.37 The system of cables suspends a 1000-

lb bank of lights above a movie set. Determine the ten-
sions in cables AB, CD, and CE.
D
C
A
E
45 30
20 ft
B
18 ft
Solution: Isolate juncture A, and solve the equilibriumequations.
Repeat for the cable juncture C.
The angle between the cable AC and the positive x axis is . The
tension in AC is T
AC
= |T
AC
|(i cos +j sin )
The angle between the x axis and AB is (180
). The tension is
T
AB
= |T
AB
|(i cos(180 ) +j sin(180 ))
T
AB
= (i cos +j sin ).
F = 0 = W+T
AB
+T
AC
= 0.
Fx = (|T
AC
| cos |T
AB
| cos )i = 0
Fy = (|T
AB
| sin +|T
AC
| sin |W|)j = 0.
Solving, we get
|T
AB
| =
_
cos
cos
_
|T
AC
| and |T
AC
| =
_
|W| cos
sin( +)
_
,
|W| = 1000 lb, and = 30
, = 45
|T
AC
| = (1000)
_
0.7071
0.9659
_
= 732.05 lb
|T
AB
| = (732)
_
0.866
0.7071
_
= 896.5 lb
Isolate juncture C. The angle between the positive x axis and the cable
CA is (180
). The tension is
T
CA
= |T
CA
|(i cos(180
+) +j sin(180
+)),
or T
CA
= |T
CA
|(i cos j sin ).
The tension in the cable CE is
T
CE
= i|T
CE
| + 0j.
The tension in the cable CD is T
CD
= 0i +j|T
CD
|.
F = 0 = T
CA
+T
CE
+T
CD
= 0
Substitute t and collect like terms,
Fx = (|T
CE
| |T
CA
| cos )i = 0,
Fy = (|T
CD
| |T
CA
| sin )j = 0.
Solve: |T
CE
| = |T
CA
| cos ,
|T
CD
| = |T
CA
| sin ;
for |T
CA
| = 732 lb and = 30
,
|T
AB
| = 896.6 lb,
|T
CE
| = 634 lb,
|T
CD
| = 366 lb
A
B D
C
E
45 30
20 ft 18 ft
B
C
A
W
y
x

D
C
A
E
y
x
90
Problem 3.38 Consider the 1000-lb bank of lights in
Problem 3.37. A technician changes the position of the
lights by removing the cable CE. What is the tension in
cable AB after the change?
Solution: The original conguration in Problem 3.35 is used to
solve for the dimensions and the angles. Isolate the juncture A, and
solve the equilibrium conditions.
The lengths are calculated as follows: The vertical interior distance in
the triangle is 20 ft, since the angle is 45 deg. and the base and altitude
of a 45 deg triangle are equal. The length AB is given by
AB =
20 ft
cos 45
= 28.284 ft.
The length AC is given by
AC =
18 ft
cos 30
= 20.785 ft.
The altitude of the triangle for which AC is the hypotenuse is
18 tan 30
= 10.392 ft. The distance CDis given by 2010.392 =

9.608 ft.
The distance AD is given by
AD = AC +CD = 20.784 + 9.608 = 30.392
The new angles are given by the cosine law
AB
2
= 38
2
+AD
2
2(38)(AD) cos .
Reduce and solve:
cos =
_
38
2
+ (30.392)
2
(28.284)
2
2(38)(30.392)
_
= 0.6787, = 47.23
.
cos =
_
(28.284)
2
+ (38)
2
(30.392)
2
2(28.284)(38)
_
= 0.6142, = 52.1
.
Isolate the juncture A. The angle between the cable AD and the
positive x axis is . The tension is:
T
AD
= |T
AD
|(i cos +j sin ).
The angle between x and the cable AB is (180
). The tension is
T
AB
= |T
AB
|(i cos +j sin ).
The weight is W= 0i |W|j
F = 0 = W+T
AB
+T
AD
= 0.
Fx = (|T
AD
| cos |T
AB
| cos )i = 0,
Fy = (|T
AB
| sin +|T
AD
| sin |W|)j = 0.
20 ft
18 ft
B
C
A
D
B
B
W
y
x
A
A
D
D
38

28.284 20.784+9.608
= 30.392
Solve: |T
AB
| =
_
cos
cos
_
|T
AD
|,
and |T
AD
| =
_
|W| cos
sin( +)
_
.
For |W| = 1000 lb, and = 51.2
, = 47.2
|T
AD
| = (1000)
_
0.6142
0.989
_
= 621.03 lb,
|T
AB
| = (622.3)
_
0.6787
0.6142
_
= 687.9 lb
Problem3.39 While working on another exhibit, a cu-
rator at the Smithsonian Institution pulls the suspended
Voyager aircraft to one side by attaching three horizon-
tal cables as shown. The mass of the aircraft is 1250 kg.
Determine the tensions in the cable segments AB, BC,
and CD.
A
B
C
D
70
50
30
Solution: Isolate each cable juncture, beginning with Aand solve
the equilibrium equations at each juncture. The angle between the
cable AB and the positive x axis is = 70
; the tension in cable

AB is T
AB
= |T
AB
|(i cos + j sin ). The weight is W =
0i |W|j. The tension in cable AT is T = |T|i + 0j. The
equilibrium conditions are
F = W+T+T
AB
= 0.
Fx(|T
AB
| cos |T|)i = 0,
Fy = (|T
AB
| sin |W|)j = 0.
Solve: the tension in cable AB is |T
AB
| =
_
|W|
sin
_
.
For |W| = (1250 kg)
_
9.81
m
s
2
_
= 12262.5 N and = 70
|T
AB
| =
_
12262.5
0.94
_
= 13049.5 N
Isolate juncture B. The angles are = 50
, = 70
, and the tension

cable BC is T
BC
= |T
BC
|(i cos +j sin ). The angle between
the cable BA and the positive x axis is (180 +); the tension is
T
BA
= |T
BA
|(i cos(180 +) +j sin(180 +))
= |T
BA
|(i cos j sin )
The tension in the left horizontal cable is T = |T|i + 0j. The
F = T
BA
+T
BC
+T = 0.
Fx = (|T
BC
| cos |T
BA
| cos |T|)i = 0
Fy = (|T
BC
| sin |T
BA
| sin )j = 0.
Solve: |T
BC
| =
_
sin
sin
_
|T
BA
|.
For |T
BA
| = 13049.5 N, and = 50
, = 70
,
|T
BC
| = (13049.5)
_
0.9397
0.7660
_
= 16007.6 N
Isolate the cable juncture C. The angles are = 30
, = 50
. By
symmetry with the cable juncture B above, the tension in cable CDis
|T
CD
| =
_
sin
sin
_
|T
CB
|.
Substitute: |T
CD
| = (16007.6)
_
0.7660
0.5
_
= 24525.0 N.
This completes the problem solution.
A T
B
C
D
70
50
30
y
x
T
B
A
C
y
x
T
W
B
A
y
x
C
B
T
D
Problem 3.40 A truck dealer wants to suspend a 4-

Mg (megagram) truck as shown for advertising. The
distance b = 15 m, and the sum of the lengths of the
cables AB and BC is 42 m. What are the tensions in
the cables?
C A
b
40 m
B
Solution: Determine the dimensions and angles of the cables.
Isolate the cable juncture B, and solve the equilibrium conditions.
The dimensions of the triangles formed by the cables:
b = 15 m, L = 25 m, AB +BC = S = 42 m.
Subdivide into two right triangles with a common side of unknown
length. Let the unknown length of this common side be d, then by the
Pythagorean Theorem b
2
+d
2
= AB
2
, L
2
+d
2
= BC
2
.
Subtract the rst equation fromthe second to eliminate the unknown d,
L
2
b
2
= BC
2
AB
2
.
Note that BC
2
AB
2
= (BC AB)(BC +AB).
Substitute and reduce to the pair of simultaneous equations in the un-
knowns
BC AB =
_
L
2
b
2
S
_
, BC +AB = S
Solve: BC =
_
1
2
__
L
2
b
2
S
+S
_
=
_
1
2
__
25
2
15
2
42
+ 42
_
= 25.762 m
and AB = S BC = 42 25.762 = 16.238 m.
The interior angles are found from the cosine law:
cos =
_
(L +b)
2
+BC
2
AB
2
2(L +b)(BC)
_
= 0.9704 = 13.97
cos =
_
(L +b)
2
+AB
2
BC
2
2(L +b)(AB)
_
= 0.9238 = 22.52
Isolate cable juncture B. The angle between BC and the positive x

axis is ; the tension is
T
BC
= |T
BC
|(i cos +j sin )
The angle between BA and the positive x axis is (180
); the
tension is
T
BA
= |T
BA
|(i cos(180 ) +j sin(180 ))
= |T
BA
|(i cos +j sin ).
F = W+T
BA
+T
BC
= 0.
A
b
B
C
40 m
15 m 25 m
b
A
A
C
B
B
W
C
y
x
L
Fx = (|T
BC
| cos |T
BA
| cos )i = 0,
Fy = (|T
BC
| sin +|T
BA
| sin |W|)j = 0
Solve: |T
BC
| =
_
cos
cos
_
|T
BA
|,
and |T
BA
| =
_
|W| cos
sin( +)
_
.
For |W| = (4000)(9.81) = 39240 N,
and = 13.97
, = 22.52
,
|T
BA
| = 64033 = 64 kN,
|T
BC
| = 60953 = 61 kN
Problem3.41 The distance h = 12 in., and the tension
in cable AD is 200 lb. What are the tensions in cables
AB and AC?
12 in.
12 in.
12 in.
8 in.
8 in.
h
D
B
A
C
Solution: Isolated the cable juncture. Fromthe sketch, the angles
are found from
tan =
_
8
12
_
= 0.667 = 33.7
tan =
_
4
12
_
= 0.333 = 18.4
The angle between the cable ABand the positive x axis is (180
),
the tension in AB is:
T
AB
= |T
AB
|(i cos(180 ) +j sin(180 ))
T
AB
= |T
AB
|(i cos +j sin ).
The angle between AC and the positive x axis is (180 + ). The
tension is
T
AC
= |T
AC
|(i cos(180 +) +j sin(180 +))
T
AC
= |T
AC
|(i cos j sin ).
The tension in the cable AD is
T
AD
= |T
AD
|i + 0j.
F = T
AC
+T
AB
+T
AD
= 0.
Fx = (|T
AB
| cos |T
AC
| cos +|T
AD
|)i = 0
Fy = (|T
AB
| sin |T
AC
| sin )j = 0.
Solve: |T
AB
| =
_
sin
sin
_
|T
AC
|,
and |T
AC
| =
_
sin
sin( +)
_
|T
AD
|.
For |T
AD
| = 200 lb, = 33.7
, = 18.4
|T
AC
| = 140.6 lb, |T
AB
| = 80.1 lb
12 in.
12 in.
12 in.
8 in.
8 in.
h
D
B
A
C
y
x
C
D
B
A
12 in
8 in
4 in
Problem 3.42 You are designing a cable system to
support a suspended object of weight W. Because your
design requires points A and B to be placed as shown,
you have no control over the angle , but you can choose
the angle by placing point C wherever you wish. Show
that to minimize the tensions in cables AB and BC, you
must choose = if the angle 45
.
Strategy: Draw a diagram of the sum of the forces
exerted by the three cables at A.
W
C B
A
Solution: Draw the free body diagram of the knot at point A.

Then draw the force triangle involving the three forces. Remember
that is xed and the force W has both xed magnitude and direction.
From the force triangle, we see that the force T
AC
can be smaller than
T
AB
for a large range of values for . By inspection, we see that the
minimum simultaneous values for T
AC
and T
AB
occur when the two
forces are equal. This occurs when = . Note: this does not happen
when < 45
.
In this case, we solved the problem without writing the equations of
equilibrium. For reference, these equations are:
Fx = T
AB
cos +T
AC
cos = 0
and
Fy = T
AB
sin +T
AC
sin W = 0.
B
A
C
W
W
A
B
x
y
T
AB
T
AC
Possible locations
for C lie on line
B
W
Candidate
C? C?
T
AB
Candidate values
for T
AC
Fixed direction for
line AB
Problem3.43 In Problem3.42, suppose that you have
no control over the angle and you want to design the
cable systemso that the tension in cable AC is minimum.
What is the required angle ?
Solution: From Problem 3.32 above, the angle required to mini-
mize the tension in cable AC, for large values of is = . However,
for small values of , the situation is different. In this situation, the
force triangle is as shown in the gure. It is obvious from the gure
that the minimum value for tension in cable AC is obtained when the
T
AC
is perpendicular to T
AB
.
Possible locations
for C lie on line
B
W
Candidate
C? C?
T
AB
Candidate values
for T
AC
Fixed direction for
line AB
Problem 3.44 The masses of the boxes on the left and
right are 25 kg and 40 kg, respectively. The surfaces are
smooth and the boxes are in equilibrium. Determine the
tension in the cable and the angle .
30
Solution: We now need to write the equilibrium equations for
each box.
For the left box,
_
Fx = T m
L
g sin = 0
Fy = N
L
m
L
g cos = 0
For the right box,
_
F
x
= T +m
R
g sin 30
= 0
F
y
= N
R
m
R
g cos 30
= 0
We have four equations in the four unknowns T, N
L
, N
R
, and .
(m
L
= 25 kg, m
R
= 40 kg). Solving, we get
N
L
= 147 N, N
R
= 340 N T = 196.2 N, = 53.1
30
y
x
N
L
N
R
T
T
m
L
g = (25) (9.81) N m
R
g = 40 (9.81) N
30
30
y
x
Problem 3.45 Consider the system shown in Prob-
lem 3.44. The angle = 45
, the surfaces are smooth,

and the boxes are in equilibrium. Determine the ratio of
the mass of the right box to the mass of the left box.
Solution: Use the free body diagrams of Problem 3.44. The equations of
equilibrium are the same as for Problem 3.44.
_
_
_
_
_
T m
L
g sin = 0
N
L
m
L
g cos = 0
T +m
R
g sin 30
= 0
N
R
m
R
g cos 30
= 0
where g = 9.81 m/s
2
, m
L
= 1, = 45
.
Solving, we get m
R
= 1.41.
m
R/m
L
= 1.41/1 = 1.41
Problem 3.46 The 3000-lb car and the 4600-lb tow
truck are stationary. The muddy surface on which the car
rests exerts a negligible friction force on the car. What
is the tension in the tow cable?
18
10
26
Solution: From the geometry, the angle between the cable and
the x axis is 8
. From the free body diagram, the equations of equi-

librium are
Fx = T cos(8
) + 3000 sin(26
) = 0
and
Fy = N 3000 cos(26
) = 0.
The rst equation can be solved for the tension in the cable. The tension
is T = 3000 sin(26
)/ cos(8
) = 1328 lb.
10
18
26
18
25
3000 lb
N
T
y
x
Problem 3.47 The hydraulic cylinder is subjected to
three forces. An 8-kN force is exerted on the cylinder
at B that is parallel to the cylinder and points from B
toward C. The link AC exerts a force at C that is parallel
to the line from A to C. The link CD exerts a force at
C that is parallel to the line from C to D.
(a) Draw the free-body diagram of the cylinder. (The
cylinders weight is negligible).
(b) Determine the magnitudes of the forces exerted by
the links AC and CD.
1 m
0.6 m Scoop
A
B
D
C
0.15 m
0.6 m
1 m
Hydraulic
cylinder
Solution: From the gure, if C is at the origin, then points A, B,
and D are located at
A(0.15, 0.6)
B(0.75, 0.6)
D(1.00, 0.4)
and forces F
CA
, F
BC
, and F
CD
are parallel to CA, BC, and CD,
respectively.
We need to write unit vectors in the three force directions and express
the forces in terms of magnitudes and unit vectors. The unit vectors
are given by
e
CA
=
r
CA
|r
CA
|
= 0.243i 0.970j
e
CB
=
r
CB
|r
CB
|
= 0.781i 0.625j
e
CD
=
r
CD
|r
CD
|
= 0.928i + 0.371j
Now we write the forces in terms of magnitudes and unit vectors. We
can write F
BC
as F
CB
= 8e
CB
kN or as F
CB
= 8(e
CB
)
kN (because we were told it was directed from B toward C and had a
magnitude of 8 kN. Either way, we must end up with
F
CB
= 6.25i + 5.00j kN
Similarly,
F
CA
= 0.243F
CA
i 0.970F
CA
j
F
CD
= 0.928F
CD
i + 0.371F
CD
j
For equilibrium, F
CA
+F
CB
+F
CD
= 0
In component form, this gives
_
Fx = 0.243F
CA
+ 0.928F
CD
6.25 (kN) = 0
Fy = 0.970F
CA
+ 0.371F
CD
+ 5.00 (kN) = 0
Solving, we get
F
CA
= 7.02 kN, F
CD
= 4.89 kN
Hydraulic
cylinder
0.6 m
1 m
1 m
D
A
B
Scoop
0.6 m 0.15 m
C
y
C
x
D
B
A
F
BC
F
CD
F
CA
Problem 3.48 The 50-lb cylinder rests on two smooth
surfaces.
(a) Draw the free-body diagram of the cylinder.
(b) If = 30
, what are the magnitudes of the forces

exerted on the cylinder by the left and right surfaces?
45
Solution: Isolate the cylinder. (a) The free body diagram of the
isolated cylinder is shown. (b) The forces acting are the weight and the
normal forces exerted by the surfaces. The angle between the normal
force on the right and the x axis is (90 +). The normal force is
N
R
= |N
R
|(i cos(90 +) +j sin(90 +))
N
R
= |N
R
|(i sin +j cos ).
The angle between the positive x axis and the left hand force is normal
(90 ); the normal force is N
L
= |N
L
|(i sin + j cos ). The
weight is W= 0i |W|j. The equilibrium conditions are
F = W+N
R
+N
L
= 0.
Fx = (|N
R
| sin +|N
L
| sin )i = 0,
Fy = (|N
R
| cos +|N
L
| cos |W|)j = 0.
45
y
x
W
N
L
N
R
Solve: |N
R
| =
_
sin
sin
_
|N
L
|,
and |N
L
| =
_
|W| sin
sin( +)
_
.
For |W| = 50 lb, and = 30
, = 45
, the normal forces are

|N
L
| = 36.6 lb, |N
R
| = 25.9 lb
Problem 3.49 For the 50-lb cylinder in Problem 3.48,
obtain an equation for the force exerted on the cylinder
by the left surface in terms of the angle in two ways:
(a) using a coordinate system with the y axis vertical,
(b) using a coordinate system with the y axis parallel to
the right surface.
Solution: The solution for Part (a) is given in Problem 3.48 (See
free body diagram).
|N
R
| =
_
sin
sin
_
|N
L
| |N
L
| =
_
|W| sin
sin( +)
_
.
Part (b): The isolated cylinder with the coordinate system is shown.
The angle between the right hand normal force and the positive x axis
is 180
. The normal force: N

R
= |N
R
|i +0j. The angle between
the left hand normal force and the positive x is 180 ( + ). The
normal force is N
L
= |N
L
|(i cos( +) +j sin( +)).
The angle between the weight vector and the positive x axis is .
The weight vector is W= |W|(i cos j sin ).
F = W+N
R
+N
L
= 0.
y
x
N
L
N
R
W
Fx = (|N
R
| |N
L
| cos( +) +|W| cos )i = 0,
Fy = (|N
L
| sin( +) |W| sin )j = 0.
Solve: |N
L
| =
_
|W| sin
sin( +)
_
Problem 3.50 The 50-kg sphere is at rest on the
smooth horizontal surface. The horizontal force F =
500 N. What is the normal force exerted on the sphere
by the surface?
F
30
Solution: Isolate the sphere and solve the equilibrium equations.
The angle between the cable and the positive x is (180 ). The
tension:
T = |T|(i cos +j sin ).
The other forces are
F = |F|i + 0j, N = 0i +|N|j, W= 0i |W|j.
F = T+F +N+W= 0.
Fx = (|T| cos +|F|)i = 0,
Fy = (|N| |W| +|T| sin )j = 0.

Solve: |T| =
_
|F|
cos
_
, and |N| = |W| |F| tan .
For |W| = (50)(9.81) = 490.5 N, |F| = 500 N, and = 30
|N| = 490.5 (500)(0.577) = 201.8 N

30
F
T
F
W
N
Problem 3.51 Consider the stationary sphere in

Problem 3.50.
(a) Draw a graph of the normal force exerted on the
sphere by the surface as a function of the force F
from F = 0 to F = 1 kN.
(b) In the result of (a), notice that the normal force de-
creases to zero and becomes negative as F increases.
What does that mean?
Solution: From the solution of Problem 3.50,
|N| = |W| |F| tan .
(a) The commercial package TK Solver Plus was used to produce
the graph of the normal force vs. the applied force, for |W| =
(50)(9.81) = 490.5 N and = 30
, as shown.
(b) The normal force becomes negative when the cylinder is lifted
from the surface (it would take a negative force to keep it in
contact with the surface).
100
0
100
200
300
400
500
N
o
r
m
a
l
F
o
r
c
e
0 200 400 600 800 1000
Force
Normal Force vs Force
Problem 3.52 The 1440-kg car is moving at constant
speed on a road with the slope shown. The aerodynamic
forces on the car are the drag D = 530 N, which is
parallel to the road, and the lift L = 360 N, which is
perpendicular to the road. Determine the magnitudes of
the total normal and friction forces exerted on the car by
the road.
D
L
15
Solution: From the free body diagram, the equations of equilib-
rium are
Fx = f D W sin 15
= 0
Fy = L +N W cos 15
= 0
W = mg = (1440)(9.81) N
L = 360 N, D = 530 N
m = 1440 kg, g = 9.81 m/s
2
Solving, we get
f = 4.19 kN, N = 13.29 kN
D
L
15
y
x
N W
F
D
L
15
15
Problem 3.53 The device shown is towed beneath a
shiptomeasure water temperature andsalinity. The mass
of the device is 130 kg. The angle = 20
. The motion
of the water relative to the device causes a horizontal
drag force D. The hydrostatic pressure distribution in
the water exerts a vertical buoyancy force B. The
magnitude of the buoyancy force is equal to the product
of the volume of the device, V = 0.075 m
3
, and the
weight density of the water, = 9500 N/m
3
. Determine
the drag force D and the tension in the cable.
B
D
Solution: Calculate the magnitude of the buoyancy force. Draw

a free body diagram of the device. The drag, buoyancy and drag
forces are
D = |D|i + 0j, B = 0i +|B|j, W= 0i j|W|.
The angle between the tow cable and the positive x axis is (90
+);
the cable tension is
T = |T|(i cos(90 +) +j sin(90 +))
T = |T|(i sin +j cos ).
F = W+B+T+D = 0.
Substitute and collect terms
Fx = (|D| |T| sin )i = 0
Fy = (|T| cos +|B| |W|)j = 0.

The magnitude of the buoyancy force is
B = V = (970)(0.15) = 145.5 N.
Solve: |D| = |T| sin , and |T| =
_
|W||B|
cos
_
.
For |W| = (130)(9.81) = 1275.3 N, and = 20
, the tension in
the cable and the drag are |T| = 1202 N, |D| = 411.2 N
B
B W
D
T
y
x
Problem 3.54 The mass of each pulley of the system

is m and the mass of the suspended object A is m
A
.
Determine the force T necessary for the system to be in
equilibrium.
T
A
Solution: Draw free body diagrams of each pulley and the object
A. Each pulley and the object Amust be in equilibrium. The weights
of the pulleys and object A are W = mg and W
A
= m
A
g. The
equilibrium equations for the lower pulley, middle pulley, and upper
pulley are, respectively, A 2T W = 0, B 2A W = 0,
and C 2B W = 0. The equilibrium equation for the weight is
T +A+B W
A
= 0. Solving the rst equation for A in terms of
T and W, substituting for A in the second equation and solving for
B in terms of T and W, we get A = 2T +W and B = 4T + 3W.
Substituting for A and B in the equilibrium equation for the weight,
we get 7T = W
A
4W = m
A
g 4mg. Thus, the tension, T, in
terms of masses and g is T =
_
g
7
_
(m
A
4m)
T
A
C
B
B
B
A
A
T T
T
B
C
W
A
W
W
W
A
Problem 3.55 The mass of each pulley of the system
is m and the mass of the suspended object A is m
A
.
Determine the force T necessary for the system to be in
equilibrium.
T
A
Solution: Draw free body diagrams of each pulley and the object
A. Each pulley and the object Amust be in equilibrium. The weights
of the pulleys and object A are W = mg and W
A
= m
A
g. The
equilibriumequations for the weight A, the lower pulley, secondpulley,
third pulley, and the top pulley are, respectively, B W
A
= 0,
2C B W = 0, 2D C W = 0, 2T D W = 0, and
F
S
2T W = 0. Begin with the rst equation and solve for B,
substitute for B in the second equation and solve for C, substitute for
C in the third equation and solve for D, and substitute for D in the
fourth equation and solve for T, to get T in terms of W and W
A
. The
result is
B = W
A
, C =
W
A
2
+
W
2
,
D =
W
A
4
+
3W
4
, and T =
W
A
8
+
7W
8
,
or in terms of the masses,
T =
g
8
(m
A
+ 7m).
T
A
F
s
W
A
T
T T
T
W
W
W
C
C C
B
B
W
D
D
D
Problem3.56 The systemis in equilibrium. What are
the coordinates of A?
W
W
W
y
b
h
A
(x, y)
x
Solution: Determine fromgeometry the coordinates x, y. Isolate
the cable juncture A. Since the frictionless pulleys do not change the
magnitude of cable tension, and since each cable is loaded with the
same weight, arbitrarily set this weight to unity, |W| = 1. The angle
between the cable ABand the positive xaxis is ; the tension in ABis
|T
AB
| = i cos +j sin .
The angle between AC and the positive x axis is (180
); the
tension is
T
AC
= |T
AC
|(i cos +j sin ).
The weight is |W| = 0i j1. The equilibrium conditions are
F = T
AB
+T
AC
+W= 0.
Fx = (cos cos )i = 0,
Fy = (sin + sin 1)j = 0.

From the rst equation cos = cos . On the realistic assumption
that both angles are in the same quadrant, then = . From the
second equation sin =
_
1
2
_
or = 30
. With the angles known,

geometry can be used to determine the coordinates x, y. The origin
of the x, y coordinate system is at the pulley B, so that the coordinate
x of the point A is positive. Dene the positive distance as shown,
so that
_
x
_
= tan .
Similarly,
_
h +
b x
_
= tan .
Reduce to obtain
x = b hcot cot .
Substitute into the rst equation to obtain
x =
_
1
2
_
(b hcot ).
Multiply this equation by tan and use = xtan to obtain
=
_
tan
2
_
(b hcot ).
The sign of the coordinate y is determined as follows: Since the co-
ordinate x is positive, the condition (b hcot ) > 0 is required;
with this inequality satised (as it must be, or the problem is invalid),
is also positive, as required. But the angle is in the rst quadrant,
so that the point A is below the pulley B. Thus y = and the
coordinates of the point A are:
x =
_
1
2
_
(b hcot ), y =
1
2
(b tan h), = 30
W
W
W
y
b
h
A
x
y
y
x
x
W
A
C
B

C b
h
A
x
0
0
B
Problem3.57 The light xture of weight W is suspen-
ded from a circular arch by a large number N of equally
spaced cables. The tension T in each cable is the same.
Show that
T =
W
2 N
.
Strategy: Consider an element of the arch dened by
an angle d measured from the point where the cables
join:
Since the total angle described by the arch is radians,
the number of cables attached to the element is (N/pi)d.
You can use this result to write the equilibriumequations
for the part of the cable system where the cables join.
d
Solution: The angle between any cable and the positive x axis is
k, where k = 0, 1, 2, 3 . . . K, where K =
_
_
is the number of
intervals, one less than the number of cables. The tension in the kth
cable is T
k
= |T
k
|(i cos k + j sin k). The weight is W =
0i |W|j.
F = W+
K
k=0
T
k
= 0
where N is the number of cables.
Substitute and collect like terms:
Fx =
K
k=0
(|T
k
| cos k)i = 0
Fy =
_
K
k=0
(|T
k
| sin k) |W|
_
j = 0
Since the tension in each cable is the same, |T
k
| = |T|, the tension
can be removed from the sum, and the second equation solved for the
tension:
|T| =
_
_
_
_
_
_
|W|
K
k=0
sin k
_
_
_
_
_
_
.
The trigonometric sum can be found in handbooks
1
:
K
k=0
sin k =
_
sin
_
1
2
(N + 1)
_
sin
_
1
2
N
_
sin
_
1
2
_
_
.
The angle is divided into K intervals over the arc, K =

.
Substitute into the sum to obtain
K
k=0
sin k =
_
cos
_
1
2
_
sin
_
1
2
_
_
.
Substitute into the solution for the tension
|T| =
_
_
_
_
_
_
|W|
K
k=0
sin k
_
_
_
_
_
_
=
_
|W| sin
_
1
2
_
cos
_
1
2
_
_
= |W| tan
_
1
2
_
.
If =

K
=

N
1, tan
_
2
_
=

2
, therefore:
|T| =
|W|
2 N
Problem 3.58 The solution to Problem 3.57 is an
asymptotic result whose accuracy increases as N in-
creases. Determine the exact tension T
exact
for N = 3,
5, 9, and 17, and conrm the numbers in the following
table. (For example, for N = 3, the cables are attached
at = 0, = 90
, and = 180
).
N 3 5 9 17
Texact
W/2N
1.91 1.32 1.14 1.07
Solution: From Problem 3.57, the tension is
|T| =
_
_
_
_
_
_
|W|
K
k=01
sin k
_
_
_
_
_
_
where the denominator is
K
k=0
sin(k) =
_
sin
_
1
2
(K + 1)
_
sin
_
1
2
K
_
sin
_
1
2
_
_
where N is the number of cables. The angle is divided into Ksegments
over the interval, thus
K =

and N =
_
_
+ 1,
since the number of cables is one more than the number of intervals
Substitute this into the sum to obtain
K
k=0
sin(k) =
_
cos
_
1
2
_
sin
_
1
2
_
_
.
Substitute this into the expression for the tension:
|T| =
_
_
_
_
_
_
|W|
N
k=0
sin k
_
_
_
_
_
_
=
_
|W| sin
_
1
2
_
cos
_
1
2
_
_
= |W| tan
_
1
2
_
.
Since =

N1
,
the exact solution for the tension in a cable is given by
|T| = |W| tan
_

2(N 1
)
_
where N 1 is the number of intervals in an arc of radians. If the angle
increment is sufciently small,
tan
_
2
_
=

2
, and |T| =
|W|
2(N 1)
=
|W|
2 N
is the asymptotic solution. The asymptotic solution, the exact solution, and the
ratio of the exact solution to the asymptotic solution for the two congurations
are given in the table below for 3, 5, 9, and 17 cables for the two congurations.
N

2N
tan
_

2(N1)
_
Ratio
3 0.5235 1 1.909
5 0.3142 0.4142 1.318
7 0.2244 0.2679 1.194
9 0.1745 0.1989 1.140
17 0.0924 0.0985 1.066
Problem 3.59 If the coordinates of point A in Exam-
ple 3.5 are changed to (0, 2, 0) m, what are the tensions
in cables AB, AC, and AD?
Solution: We need to write unit vectors e
AB
, e
AC
, and e
AD
.
_
e
AB
= 0.816i + 0.408j + 0.408k
e
AC
= 0.577i + 0.577j 0.577k
e
AD
= 0.640i + 0.426j + 0.640k
We now need to write the four forces acting at point A.
_
_
_
_
_
T
AB
= 0.816T
AB
i + 0.408T
AB
j + 0.408T
AB
k
T
AC
= 0.577T
AC
i + 0.577T
AC
j 0.577T
AC
k
T
AD
= 0.640T
AD
i + 0.426T
AD
j + 0.640T
AD
k
W = 981j (N)
Equilibrium: T
AB
+T
AC
+T
AD
+W= 0
_
_
_
_
_
Fx = 0.816T
AB
0.577T
AC
0.640T
AD
= 0
Fy = 0.408T
AB
+ 0.577T
AC
+ 0.426T
AD
981 = 0
Fz = +0.408T
AB
0.577T
AC
+ 0.640T
AD
= 0
Solving, we get
T
AB
= 848 N
T
AC
= 900 N
T
AD
= 271 N
C
B
D
T
AD
T
AB
T
AC
A
W = mg j
= (100) (9.81) N
j
(2, 0, 2) m
(3, 0, 3) m
(0, 2, 0) m
100 kg
(4, 0, 2) m
C
D
y
B
x
z
A
Problem 3.60 The force F = 5i (kN) acts on point
A where the cables AB, AC, and AD are joined. What
are the tensions in the three cables?
Strategy: Isolate part of the cable system near point
A. See Example 3.5.
(12, 4, 2) m
(6, 0, 0) m
(0, 4, 6) m
(0, 6, 0) m
y
B
z
C
A
F
D
x
Solution: Isolate the cable juncture A. Get the unit vectors par-
allel to the cables using the coordinates of the end points. Express
the tensions in terms of these unit vectors, and solve the equilibrium
conditions. The coordinates of points A, B, C, D are:
A(12, 4, 2), B(6, 0, 0), C(0, 4, 6), D(0, 6, 0).
The unit vector e
AB
is, by denition,
e
AB
=
r
B
r
A
|r
B
r
A
|
=
(6 12)i + (0 4)j + (0 2)k
_
(6 12)
2
+ (4)
2
+ (2)
2
=
6
7.483
i
4
7.483
j
2
7.483
k
e
AB
= 0.8018i 0.5345j 0.267k.
Similarly, the other unit vectors are
e
AB
= 0.9487i + 0j + 0.3163k,
e
AD
= 0.9733i + 0.1622j 0.1622k.
The tensions in the cables are expressed in terms of the unit vectors,
T
AB
= |T
AB
|e
AB
, T
AC
= |T
AC
|e
AC
, T
AD
= |T
AD
|e
AD
.
The external force acting on the juncture is, F = 5i + 0j + 0k. The
F = 0 = T
AB
+T
AC
+T
AD
+F = 0.
Fx = (0.8018|T
AB
| 0.9487|T
AC
| 0.9733|T
AD
| + 5)i = 0
Fy = (0.5345|T
AB
| + 0|T
AC
| 0.1622|T
AD
|)j = 0
Fz = (0.2673|T
AB
| 0.3163|T
AC
| 0.1622|T
AD
|)k = 0.
Ahand held calculator was used to solve these simultaneous equations.
The results are:
|T
AB
| = 0.7795 kN, |T
AC
| = 1.9765 kN, |T
AD
| = 2.5688 kN.
x
A F
D
C
B
y
z
(12, 4, 2) m
(6, 0, 0) m
(0, 4, 6) m
(0, 6, 0) m
Problem 3.61 The cables in Problem 3.60 will safely
support a tension of 25 kN. Based on this criterion, what
is the largest safe magnitude of the force F = Fi?
Solution: This problem offers a new challenge. We need to be
able to solve the problem with one of the forces F
AB
, F
AC
, or F
AD
equal to 25 kN and the other two forces must be smaller. Note that in
all of our earlier work, forces have appeared linearly in our equations
of equilibrium. This means that if we increase F by some factor, all
other forces increase by the same factor.
Plan of Attack: Assume Fhas a value of 1 kN and solve for all forces.
Find the largest force in the three cables and scale it up to 25 kN
increasing all forces by the same scale factor.
We must write our forces in terms of unit vectors.
e
AB
=
r
AB
|r
AB
|
, e
AC
=
r
AC
|r
AC
|
, e
AD
=
r
AD
|r
AD
|
where the points A, B, C, and D are
A: (12, 4, 2) m, B: (6, 0, 0) m
C: (0, 4, 6) m, D: (0, 6, 0) m
The unit vectors are
_
e
AB
= 0.802i 0.535j 0.267k
e
AC
= 0.949i + 0j + 0.316k
e
AD
= 0.973i + 0.162j 0.162k
The forces are
_
_
_
_
_
T
AB
= 0.802T
AB
i 0.535T
AB
j 0.267T
AB
k
T
AC
= 0.949T
AC
i + 0j + 0.316T
AC
k
T
AD
= 0.973T
AD
i + 0.162T
AD
j 0.162T
AD
k
F = Fi
Summing forces in the three coord. directions, we get
_
_
_
_
_
Fx = 0.802T
AB
0.949T
AC
0.973T
AD
+F = 0
Fy = 0.535T
AB
+ 0.162T
AD
= 0
Fz = 0.267T
AB
+ 0.316T
AC
0.162T
AD
= 0
We set F = 1 and solve the three eqns in 3 unknowns.
Solving, we get
F
AB
= 0.155 kN, F
AC
= 0.395 kN
and F
AD
= 0.513 for F = 1 kN
Scaling, we want F
AD
25 kN we get F = 48.7 kNi. When
|F
AD
| = 25 kN
(12, 4, 2) m
(6, 0, 0) m
(0, 4, 6) m
(0, 6, 0) m
y
B
z
C
A
F
D
x
Problem 3.62 To support the tent, the tension in the
rope AB must be 40 lb. What are the tensions in the
ropes AC, AD, and AE?
z
y
x
A B
C
E
D
(0, 5, 0) ft
(5, 4, 3) ft (8, 4, 3) ft
(3, 0, 3) ft
(0, 6, 6) ft
Solution: Get the unit vectors parallel to the cables using the
coordinates of the end points. Express the tensions in terms of these
unit vectors, and solve the equilibrium conditions. The coordinates of
points A, B, C, D, E are:
A(5, 4, 3), B(8, 4, 3), C(0, 5, 0), D(0, 6, 6), E(3, 0, 3).
The vector locations of these points are,
r
A
= 5i + 4j + 3k, r
B
= 8i + 4j + 3k,
r
C
= 0i + 5j + 0k, r
D
= 0i + 6j + 6k,
r
E
= 3i + 0j + 3k.
The unit vector parallel to the tension acting between the points A, B
in the direction of B is by denition
e
AB
=
r
B
r
A
|r
B
r
A
|
.
Perform this operation for each unit vector. We get
e
AB
= 1i + 0j + 0k
e
AC
= 0.8452i + 0.1690j 0.5071k
e
AD
= 0.8111i + 0.3244j + 0.4867k
e
AE
= 0.4472i 0.8944j + 0k
The tensions in the cables are,
T
AB
= |T
AB
|e
AB
= 40e
AB
, T
AC
= |T
AC
|e
AC
,
T
AD
= |T
AD
|e
AD
, T
AE
= |T
AE
|e
AE
.
F = 0 = T
AB
+T
AC
+T
AD
+T
AE
= 0.
Substitute the tensions,
Fx = (40 0.8452|T
AC
| 0.8111|T
AD
| 0.4472|T
AE
|)i = 0
Fy = (+0.1690|T
AC
| 0.3244|T
AD
| 0.8944|T
AE
|)j = 0
Fz = (0.5071|T
AC
| 0.4867|T
AD
|)k = 0.
This set of simultaneous equations in the unknown forces may be
solved using any of several standard algorithms.: The results are:
|T
AE
| = 11.7 lb, |T
AC
| = 20.6 lb, |T
AD
| = 21.4 lb.
z
y
x
A B
C
E
D
(0, 5, 0) ft
(5, 4, 3) ft (8, 4, 3) ft
(3, 0, 3) ft
(0, 6, 6) ft
C
D
E
A
B
Problem3.63 The bulldozer exerts a force F=2i (kip)
at A. What are the tensions in cables AB, AC, and AD?
y
C
A
D
z
4 ft
3 ft
2 ft
x
8 ft
8 ft
6 ft
B
Solution: Isolate the cable juncture. Express the tensions in terms
of unit vectors. Solve the equilibrium equations. The coordinates of
points A, B, C, D are:
A(8, 0, 0), B(0, 3, 8), C(0, 2, 6), D(0, 4, 0).
The radius vectors for these points are
r
A
= 8i + 0j + 0k, r
B
= 0i + 3j + 8k,
r
C
= 0i + 2j + 6k, r
D
= 0i + 4j + 0k.
By denition, the unit vector parallel to the tension in cable AB is
e
AB
=
r
B
r
A
|r
B
r
A
|
.
Carrying out the operations for each of the cables, the results are:
e
AB
= 0.6835i + 0.2563j 0.6835k,
e
AC
= 0.7845i + 0.1961j 0.5883k,
e
AD
= 0.8944i + 0.4472j + 0k.
T
AB
= |T
AB
|e
AB
, T
AC
= |T
AC
|e
AC
, T
AD
= |T
AD
|e
AD
.
The external force acting on the juncture is F = 2000i + 0j + 0k.
F = 0 = T
AB
+T
AC
+T
AD
+F = 0.
Substitute the vectors into the equilibrium conditions:
Fx =(0.6835|T
AB
|0.7845|T
AC
|0.8944|T
AD
|+2000)i =0
Fy = (0.2563|T
AB
| + 0.1961|T
AC
| 0.4472|T
AD
|)j = 0
Fz = (0.6835|T
AB
| 0.5883|T
AC
| + 0|T
AD
|)k = 0
The commercial program TK Solver Plus was used to solve these
equations. The results are
|T
AB
| = 780.31 lb , |T
AC
| = 906.9 lb , |T
AD
| = 844.74 lb .
y
C
A
D
z
4 ft
3 ft
2 ft
x
8 ft
8 ft
6 ft
B
Problem 3.64 Prior to its launch, a balloon carrying
a set of experiments to high altitude is held in place by
groups of student volunteers holding the tethers at B, C,
and D. The mass of the balloon, experiments package,
and the gas it contains is 90 kg, and the buoyancy force
on the balloon is 1000 N. The supervising professor con-
servatively estimates that each student can exert at least
a 40-N tension on the tether for the necessary length of
time. Based on this estimate, what minimum numbers
of students are needed at B, C, and D?
y
z
B
x
C (10, 0, 12) m
(16, 0, 16) m
D
(16, 0, 4) m
(0, 8, 0) m A
Solution:
Fy = 1000 (90)(9.81) T = 0
T = 117.1 N
A(0, 8, 0)
B(16, 0, 16)
C(10, 0, 12)
D(16, 0, 4)
We need to write unit vectors e
AB
, e
AC
, and e
AD
.
e
AB
= 0.667i 0.333j + 0.667k
e
AC
= 0.570i 0.456j 0.684k
e
AD
= 0.873i 0.436j + 0.218k
We now write the forces in terms of magnitudes and unit vectors
_
_
_
_
_
F
AB
= 0.667F
AB
i 0.333F
AB
j + 0.667F
AB
k
F
AC
= 0.570F
AC
i 0.456F
AC
j 0.684F
AC
k
F
AD
= 0.873F
AD
i 0.436F
AC
j + 0.218F
AC
k
T = 117.1j (N)
The equations of equilibrium are
Fx = 0.667F
AB
+ 0.570F
AC
0.873F
AD
= 0
Fy = 0.333F
AB
0.456F
AC
0.436F
AC
+ 117.1 = 0
Fz = 0.667F
AB
0.684F
AC
+ 0.218F
AC
= 0
Solving, we get
F
AB
= 64.8 N 2 students
F
AC
= 99.8 N 3 students
F
AD
= 114.6 N 3 students
y
z
B
x
C (10, 0, 12) m
(16, 0, 16) m
D
(16, 0, 4) m
(0, 8, 0) m A
y
T
(0, 8, 0)
(16, 0, 4)
(10, 0, 12) m
A
F
AC
F
AD
D
z
x
C
(16, 0, 16) m B
1000 N
(90) g
T
Problem3.65 The 20-kg mass is suspended by cables
attached to three vertical 2-m posts. Point A is at (0,
1.2, 0) m. Determine the tensions in cables AB, AC,
and AD. B
A
C
D
y
z
x
2 m
0.3 m
1 m
1 m
Solution: Points A, B, C, and D are located at
A(0, 1.2, 0), B(0.3, 2, 1),
C(0, 2, 1), D(2, 2, 0)
Write the unit vectors e
AB
, e
AC
, e
AD
e
AB
= 0.228i + 0.608j + 0.760k
e
AC
= 0i + 0.625j 0.781k
e
AD
= 0.928i + 0.371j + 0k
The forces are
F
AB
= 0.228F
AB
i + 0.608F
AB
j + 0.760F
AB
k
F
AC
= 0F
AC
i + 0.625F
AC
j 0.781F
AC
k
F
AD
= 0.928F
AD
i + 0.371F
AD
j + 0k
W = (20)(9.81)j
The equations of equilibrium are
_
_
_
_
_
Fx = 0.228F
AB
+ 0 + 0.928F
AD
= 0
Fy = 0.608F
AB
+ 0.625F
AC
+ 0.371F
AD
20(9.81) = 0
Fz = 0.760F
AB
0.781F
AC
+ 0 = 0
We have 3 eqns in 3 unknowns solving, we get
F
AB
= 150.0 N
F
AC
= 146.1 N
F
AD
= 36.9 N
y
C
A
F
AD
F
AC
F
AB
D
W
B
z
x
(20) (9.81) N
B
A
C
D
y
z
x
2 m
0.3 m
1 m
1 m
Problem 3.66 The weight of the horizontal wall sec-
tion is W = 20,000 lb. Determine the tensions in the
cables AB, AC, and AD.
C
B
6 ft
10 ft
4 ft 8 ft
7 ft
14 ft
W
D
A
Solution: Set the coordinate origin at Awith axes as shown. The
upward force, T, at point A will be equal to the weight, W, since the
cable at Asupports the entire wall. The upward force at Ais T = W
k. From the gure, the coordinates of the points in feet are
A(4, 6, 10), B(0, 0, 0), C(12, 0, 0), and D(4, 14, 0).
The three unit vectors are of the form
e
AI
=
((x
I
x
A
)i + (y
I
y
A
)j + (z
I
Z
A
)k)
_
(x
I
x
A
)
2
+ (y
I
y
A
)
2
+ (z
I
Z
A
)
2
,
where I takes on the values B, C, and D. The denominators of the unit
vectors are the distances AB, AC, and AD, respectively. Substitution
of the coordinates of the points yields the following unit vectors:
e
AB
= 0.324i 0.487j 0.811k,
e
AC
= 0.566i 0.424j 0.707k,
and e
AD
= 0i + 0.625j 0.781k.
The forces are
T
AB
= T
AB
e
AB
, T
AC
= T
AC
e
AC
, and T
AD
= T
AD
e
AD
.
The equilibrium equation for the knot at point A is
T+T
AB
+T
AC
+T
AD
= 0.
From the vector equilibrium equation, write the scalar equilibrium
equations in the x, y, and z directions. We get three linear equations
in three unknowns. Solving these equations simultaneously, we get
T
AB
= 9393 lb, T
AC
= 5387 lb, and T
AD
= 10,977 lb
C
B
6 ft
10 ft
4 ft
8 ft
7 ft
14 ft
W
D
A
T
W
X
D
B
A
C
z
T
B
T
D
T
C
y
7 ft
14 ft
4 ft
8 ft
6 ft
10 ft
Problem 3.67 In Problem 3.66, each cable will safely
support a tension of 40,000 lb. Based on this criterion,
what is the largest safe value of the weight W?
Solution: There are twopossible solutions tothis problem, depen-
ding on howwe interpret the problem. One solution considers the cable
extending upward fromAas one of the cables subject to the 40,000 lb
limit and the other does not.
(a) Assume that the cable upwardfromAis subject tothe limit. From
the solution to Problem 3.66, we see that the largest tension in
the cables is the tension in the cable extending upward from A.
If we double the weight, we increase the tension in this cable to
40,000 lb. For this case, W
MAX
= 40,000 lb.
(b) Assume that the cable upward fromAis not subject to the limit.
From the solution to Problem 3.66, the largest force in the three
supporting cables is T
AD
= 10977 lb. The scale factor must
increase this force to 40,000 lb. The scale factor, f, is given by
f = 40,000/10,977 = 3.644.
The maximum allowable weight is
W
MAX
= 20,000f = (20,000)(3.644) = 72,880 lb.
Problem 3.68 The 680-kg load suspended from the
helicopter is in equilibrium. The aerodynamic drag force
on the load is horizontal. The y axis is vertical, and cable
OA lies in the x-y plane. Determine the magnitude of
the drag force and the tension in cable OA.
y A
10
x
O
B
C
D
Solution:
Fx = T
OA
sin 10
D = 0,
Fy = T
OA
cos 10
(680)(9.81) = 0.
Solving, we obtain D = 1176 N, T
OA
= 6774 N.
(3, 0, 4) m
A
B (2, 2, 0)
m
C (5, 2, 1) m
y
x
z
y
x D
10
T
OA
(680) (9.81) N
Problem 3.69 In Problem 3.68, the coordinates of the
three cable attachment points B, C, and D are (3.3,
4.5, 0) m, (1.1, 5.3, 1) m, and (1.6, 5.4, 1) m,
respectively. What are the tensions in cables OB, OC,
and OD?
Solution: The position vectors from O to pts B, C, and D are
r
OB
= 3.3i 4.5j (m),
r
OC
= 1.1i 5.3j +k (m),
r
OD
= 1.6i 5.4j k (m).
Dividing by the magnitudes, we obtain the unit vectors
e
OB
= 0.591i 0.806j,
e
OC
= 0.200i 0.963j + 0.182k,
e
OD
= 0.280i 0.944j 0.175k.
Using these unit vectors, we obtain the equilibrium equations
Fx = T
OA
sin 10
0.591T
OB
+ 0.200T
OC
+ 0.280T
OD
= 0,
Fy = T
OA
cos 10
0.806T
OB
0.963T
OC
0.944T
OD
= 0,
Fz = 0.182T
OC
0.175T
OD
= 0.
From the solution of Problem 3.68, T
OA
= 6774 N. Solving these
equations, we obtain
T
OB
= 3.60 kN, T
OC
= 1.94 kN, T
OD
= 2.02 kN.
y
x
T
OA
T
OD
T
OC
T
OB
10
Problem 3.70 The small sphere A weighs 20 lb, and
its coordinates are (4, 0, 6) ft. It is supported by two
smooth at plates labeled 1 and 2 and the cable AB.
The unit vector e
1
=
4
9
i +
7
9
j +
4
9
k is perpendicular to
plate 1, and the unit vector e
2
=
9
11
i +
2
11
j +
6
11
k
is perpendicular to plate 2. What is the tension in the
cable?
y
1
2
A
e
2
e
1
B (0, 4, 0) ft
x
z
Solution: A and B are located at A (4, 0, 6), B (0, 4, 0) feet.
The vector locations of the points A and B are:
r
A
= 4i + 0j + 6k, r
B
= 0i + 4j + 0k.
The unit vector parallel to the tension acting from A toward B is
e
AB
=
r
B
r
A
|r
B
r
A
|
.
The weight is W= 0i |W|j0k = 0i 20j + 0k.
The unit vectors are
e
AB
= 0.4851i + 0.4851j 0.7276k
e
1
= 0.4444i + 0.7778j + 0.4444k
e
2
= 0.8182i + 0.1818j + 0.5455k
where the values of the last two were given by the problem statement.
The forces are expressed in terms of the unit vectors,
T
AB
= |T
AB
|e
AB
, N
1
= |N
1
|e
1
, N
2
= |N
2
|e
2
.
F = 0 = T
AB
+N
1
+N
2
+W= 0
Substitute the force vectors and collect like terms,
Fx = (0.4851|T
AB
| + 0.4444|N
1
| 0.8182|N
2
|)i = 0
Fy = (0.4851|T
AB
| + 0.7778|N
1
| 0.1818|N
2
| 20)j = 0
Fz = (0.7276|T
AB
| + 0.4444|N
1
| 0.5455|N
2
|)k = 0
An electronic calculator was used to solve these equations. The solu-
tion is:
|T
AB
| = 12.34 lb , |N
1
| = 17.51 lb , |N
2
| = 2.19 lb .
(0, 4, 0) ft
y
x
z
B
A
e
1
e
2
1
2
Problem 3.71 The 1350-kg car is at rest on a plane
surface. The unit vector e
n
= 0.231i +0.923j +0.308k
is perpendicular to the surface. The y axis points upward.
Determine the magnitudes of the normal and friction
forces the cars wheels exert on the surface.
e
n
y
z
x
Solution: The weight force is
W = mgj = (1350)(9.81)j = 13240j N.
The component of W normal to the surface is
F
N
= W e = Wxex +Wyey +Wzez = Wyey
= (13240)(0.923) = 12220 N.
The component of W tangent to the surface (the friction force) can be
calculated from
F
T
=
_
W
2
F
2
N
=
_
(13240)
2
(12220)
2
= 5096 N.
Thus, F
N
= 12220 N and F
T
= 5096 N.
e
n
y
z
x
Problem 3.72 The system shown anchors a stanchion
of a cable-suspended roof. If the tension in cable AB is
900 kN, what are the tensions in cables EF and EG?
y
z
x
F
(0, 1.4, 1.2) m
(0, 1.4, 1.2) m
(1, 1.2, 0) m
(2, 1, 0) m
(2.2, 0, 1) m
(2.2, 0, 1) m
(3.4, 1, 0) m
G
E
B
C
D
A
Solution: From the gure, the coordinates of the points (in me-
ters) are
A(3.4, 1, 0), B(1.8, 1, 0), C(2, 0, 1), D(2, 0, 1),
E(0.9, 1.2, 0), F(0, 1.4, 1.2), and G(0, 1.4, 1.2).
The unit vectors are of the form
e
IK
=
((x
I
x
K
)i + (y
I
y
K
)j + (z
I
z
K
)k)
_
(x
I
x
K
)
2
+ (y
I
y
K
)
2
+ (z
I
z
K
)
2
,
where IK takes on the values BA, BC, BD, BE, EF, and EG.
We need to nd unit vectors e
BA
, e
BC
, e
BD
, e
BE
, e
EF
, and e
EG
.
Substitution of the coordinates of the points yields the following six
unit vectors:
e
BA
= 1i + 0j + 0k,
e
BC
= 0.140i 0.707j + 0.707k,
e
BD
= 0.140i 0.707j 0.707k,
e
BE
= 0.981i + 0.196j + 0k,
e
EF
= 0.635i + 0.127j + 0.762k,
and e
EG
= 0.635i + 0.127j 0.762k.
The forces are of the form T
IK
= T
IK
e
IK
where IK takes on the
same values as above. The known force magnitude |T
BA
| = 900 kN.
Thus,
T
BA
= T
BA
e
BA
= 900(1i + 0j + 0k) kN = 900i kN.
The vector equation of equilibrium at point B (see the rst free body
diagram) is
T
BA
+T
BC
+T
BD
+T
BE
= 0.
Use the unit vectors as T
BA
above to write this equation in component
form, and then solve the resulting linear equations for the three scalar
unknowns T
BC
, T
BD
, and T
BE
.
The result is
T
BC
= 127.3 kN, T
BD
= 127.3 kN, and T
BE
= 917.8 kN.
Once we know T
BE
, we can use the second free body diagram and
the equilibrium equation at point E to solve for the tensions T
EF
and
T
EG
. The vector equilibrium equation at point E (see the second
free body diagram) is T
BE
+T
EF
+T
EG
= 0. Using the unit
vectors as above and solving for T
EF
and T
EG
, we get T
EF
=
T
EG
= 708.7 kN.
y
z
x
F
(0, 1.4, 1.2) m
(0, 1.4, 1.2) m
(1, 1.2, 0) m
(2, 1, 0) m
(2, 0, 1) m
(2, 0, 1) m
(3.4, 1, 0) m
G
E
C
D
B
A
F
y
G
x
z
(0, 1.4, 1.2) m
(1, 1.2, 0) m
(3.4, 1, 0) m
B
A
E
C
D
(2, 0, 1) m
(2, 0, 1) m
(2, 1, 0) m
(0, 1.4, 1.2) m
T
BC
T
BA
T
BE
T
BD
F
y
G
x
z
(0, 1.4, 1.2) m
(1, 1.2, 0) m
(3.4, 1, 0) m
B
E
A
C
D
(2, 0, 1) m
(2, 0, 1) m
(2, 1, 0) m
(0, 1.4, 1.2) m
T
BE
T
EF
T
EG
Problem 3.73 The cables of the system in Prob-
lem 3.72 will each safely support a tension of 1500 kN.
Based on this criterion, what is the largest safe value of
the tension in cable AB?
Solution: The largest load found in the solution of Problem 3.72 is
T
BE
= 917.8 kN. The scale factor, scaling this force up to 1500 kN is
f = (1500/917.8) = 1.634. The largest safe value for the load in cable
AB is T
ABmax
= T
BA
f = (900)(1.634) = 1471 kN.
Problem 3.74 The 200-kg slider at A is held in place
on the smooth vertical bar by the cable AB.
(a) Determine the tension in the cable.
(b) Determine the force exerted on the slider by the bar.
z
y
x
A
B
2 m
5 m
2 m
2 m
Solution: The coordinates of the points A, B are A(2, 2, 0),
B(0, 5, 2). The vector positions
r
A
= 2i + 2j + 0k, r
B
= 0i + 5j + 2k
The equilibrium conditions are:
F = T+N+W= 0.
Eliminate the slider bar normal force as follows: The bar is parallel to
the y axis, hence the unit vector parallel to the bar is e
B
= 0i+1j+0k.
The dot product of the unit vector and the normal force vanishes: e
B
N = 0. Take the dot product of e

B
with the equilibrium conditions:
e
B
N = 0.
e
B
F = e
B
T+e
B
W= 0.
The weight is
e
B
W = 1j (j|W|) = |W| = (200)(9.81) = 1962 N.
The unit vector parallel to the cable is by denition,
e
AB
=
r
B
r
A
|r
B
r
A
|
.
Substitute the vectors and carry out the operation:
e
AB
= 0.4851i + 0.7278j + 0.4851k.
(a) The tension in the cable is T = |T|e
AB
. Substitute into the
modied equilibrium condition
e
B
F = (0.7276|T| 1962) = 0.
Solve: |T| = 2696.5 N from which the tension vector is
T = |T|e
AB
= 1308i + 1962j + 1308k.
(b) The equilibrium conditions are
F = 0 = T+N+W= 1308i + 1308k +N = 0.

Solve for the normal force: N = 1308i 1308k. The magni-
tude is |N| = 1850 N.
z
y
x
A
B
2 m
5 m
2 m
2 m
T
N
W
Note: For this specic conguration, the problem can be solved without elimi-
nating the slider bar normal force, since it does not appear in the y-component
of the equilibrium equation (the slider bar is parallel to the y-axis). However, in
the general case, the slider bar will not be parallel to an axis, and the unknown
normal force will be projected onto all components of the equilibrium equa-
tions (see Problem 3.75 below). In this general situation, it will be necessary to
eliminate the slider bar normal force by some procedure equivalent to that used
above. End Note.
Problem 3.75 The 100-lb slider at A is held in place
on the smooth circular bar by the cable AB. The circular
bar is contained in the x-y plane.
(a) Determine the tension in the cable.
(b) Determine the normal force exerted on the slider by
the bar.
z
y
x
A
B
20
4 ft
3 ft
4 ft
Solution: Strategy: Develop the unit vectors (i) parallel to the ca-
ble and (ii) parallel to the slider bar. Apply the equilibrium conditions.
Eliminate the slider bar normal force by taking the dot product of the
slider bar unit vector with the equilibrium conditions. Solve for the
force parallel to the cable. Substitute this force into the equilibrium
condition to nd the slider bar normal force.
Assume that the circular bar is a quarter circle, so that the slider is
located on a radius vector (4 ft). With this assumption the coordinates
of the points A, B are
A(4 cos , 4 sin , 0) = A(3.76, 1.37, 0), B(0, 4, 3).
The vector positions are
r
A
= 3.76i + 1.37j + 0k, r
B
= 0i + 4j + 3k
The equilibrium conditions are:
F = T+N+W= 0.
The normal force is to be eliminated from the equilibrium equations.
The bar is normal to the radius vector at point A. Hence the unit vector
parallel to the bar is |T| = 137.1 lb.
The dot product with the normal force is zero, e
B
N = 0. Take the
dot product of the unit vector and the equilibrium condition:
e
B
F = e
B
T+e
B
W= 0.
The weight is
e
B
W = e
B
(j|W|) = 0.9397|W| = (0.9397)(100) = 94 lb.
The unit vector parallel to the cable is by denition,
e
AB
=
r
B
r
A
|r
B
r
A
|
.
Substitute the vectors and carry out the operation
e
AB
= 0.6856i + 0.4801j + 0.5472k.
(a) The tension in the cable is T = |T|e
AB
. Substitute into the
modied equilibrium condition
e
B
F = (0.6854|T| 94) = 0.
Solve: |T| = 137.1 lb, from which the tension vector is
T = |T|e
AB
= 94i + 65.8j + 75k
(b) Substitute Tinto the original equilibrium conditions,
F = 0 = T+N+W= 94i + 65.8j

+75k +N100j = 0.
Solve for the normal force exerted by the bar on the slider
N = 94i + 34.2j 75k (lb)
z
y
x
A
B
20
4 ft
3 ft
4 ft
T
N
W
Problem 3.76 The cable AB keeps the 8-kg collar
A in place on the smooth bar CD. The y axis points
upward. What is the tension in the cable?
0.4 m
0.5 m
0.15 m
0.3 m
0.2 m
0.25 m
0.2 m
z
y
B
C
D
O
x
A
Solution: The coordinates of points C and D are C (0.4, 0.3, 0),
and D (0.2, 0, 0.25). The unit vector from C toward D is given by
e
CD
= e
CDx
i +e
CDy
j +e
CDz
k = 0.456i 0.684j + 0.570k.
The location of point A is given by x
A
= x
C
+ d
CA
e
CDx
, with
similar equations for y
A
and z
A
. From the gure, d
CA
= 0.2 m.
From this, we nd the coordinates of A are A (0.309, 0.162, 0.114).
From the gure, the coordinates of B are B (0, 0.5, 0.15). The unit
vector from A toward B is then given by
e
AB
= e
ABx
i +e
ABy
j +e
ABz
k = 0.674i + 0.735j + 0.079k.
The tension force in the cable can now be written as
T
AB
= 0.674T
AB
i + 0.735T
AB
j + 0.079T
AB
k.
From the free body diagram, the equilibrium equations are:
F
Nx
+T
AB
e
ABx
= 0, F
Ny
+T
AB
e
ABy
mg = 0,
and F
Nz
+T
AB
e
ABz
= 0.
We have three equation in four unknowns. We get another equation
from the condition that the bar CD is smooth. This means that the
normal force has no component parallel to CD. Mathematically, this
can be stated as F
N
e
CD
= 0. Expanding this, we get
F
Nx
e
CDx
+F
Ny
e
CDy
+F
Nz
e
CDz
= 0.
We now have four equations in our four unknowns. Substituting in the
numbers and solving, we get
T
AB
= 57.7 N, F
Nx
= 38.9 N,
F
Ny
= 36.1 N, and F
Nz
= 4.53 N.
0.4 m
0.5 m
0.15 m
0.3 m
0.2 m
0.25 m
0.2 m
z
y
B
C
D
x
A
y
0.15 m
0.4 m
0.2 m
0.5 m
0.3 m
0.2 m
0.25 m
B
C
D
W
A
z
x
F
N
T
AB
Problem 3.77 In Problem 3.76, determine the magni-
tude of the normal force exerted on the collar A by the
smooth bar.
Solution: The solution to Problem 3.76 above provides the mag-
nitudes of the components of the normal force exerted on the collar
at A.
|F
N
| =
_
(F
Nx
)
2
+ (F
Ny
)
2
+ (F
Nz
)
2
.
Substituting in the values found in Problem 3.77, we get
|F
N
| = 53.2 N.
Problem 3.78 The 10-kg collar Aand 20-kg collar B
are held in place on the smooth bars by the 3-m cable
from A to B and the force F acting on A. The force F
is parallel to the bar. Determine F.
z
x
y
B
A
F
3 m
(4, 0, 0) m
(0, 0, 4) m
(0, 3, 0) m
(0, 5, 0) m
Solution: The geometry is the rst part of the Problem. To ease
our work, let us name the points C, D, E, and G as shown in the
gure. The unit vectors fromC to D and fromE to Gare essential to
the location of points Aand B. The diagram shown contains two free
bodies plus the pertinent geometry. The unit vectors fromC to D and
from E to G are given by
e
CD
= er
CDx
i +e
CDy
j +e
CDz
k,
and e
EG
= er
EGx
i +e
EGy
j +e
EGz
k.
Using the coordinates of points C, D, E, and G from the picture, the
unit vectors are
e
CD
= 0.625i + 0.781j + 0k,
and e
EG
= 0i + 0.6j + 0.8k.
The location of point A is given by
x
A
= x
C
+CAe
CDx
, y
A
= y
C
+CAe
CDy
,
and z
A
= z
C
+CAe
CDz
,
where CA = 3 m. From these equations, we nd that the location of
point A is given by A (2.13, 2.34, 0) m. Once we know the location
of point A, we can proceed to nd the location of point B. We have
two ways to determine the location of B. First, B is 3 m from point A
along the line AB (which we do not know). Also, B lies on the line
EG. The equations for the location of point B based on line AB are:
x
B
= x
A
+ABe
ABx
, y
B
= y
A
+ABe
ABy
,
and z
B
= z
A
+ABe
ABz
.
The equations based on line EG are:
x
B
= x
E
+EBe
EGx
, y
B
= y
E
+EBe
EGy
,
and z
B
= z
E
+EBe
EGz
.
We have six new equations in the three coordinates of B and the dis-
tance EB. Some of the information in the equations is redundant.
However, we can solve for EB (and the coordinates of B). We get
that the length EB is 2.56 m and that point B is located at (0, 1.53,
1.96) m. We next write equilibrium equations for bodies A and B.
From the free body diagram for A, we get
N
Ax
+T
AB
e
ABx
+Fe
CDx
= 0,
N
Ay
+T
AB
e
ABy
+Fe
CDy
m
A
g = 0,
and N
Az
+T
AB
e
ABz
+Fe
CDz
= 0.
From the free body diagram for B, we get
N
Bx
T
AB
e
ABx
= 0,
N
by
T
AB
e
ABy
m
B
g = 0,
and N
Bz
T
AB
e
ABz
= 0.
z
x
y
B
A
F
3 m
(4, 0, 0) m
(0, 0, 4) m
(0, 3, 0) m
(0, 5, 0) m
y
F
B
x
z
3 m
N
A
T
AB
T
AB
A
N
B
D (0, 5, 0)
C (4, 0, 0) m
E (0, 0, 4) m
m
G (0, 3, 0)
m
m
A
g
m
B
g
We now have two fewer equation than unknowns. Fortunately, there are two
conditions we have not yet invoked. The bars at A and B are smooth. This
means that the normal force on each bar can have no component along that bar.
This can be expressed by using the dot product of the normal force and the unit
vector along the bar. The two conditions are
N
A
e
CD
= N
Ax
e
CDx
+N
Ay
e
CDy
+N
Az
e
CDz
= 0
for slider A and
N
B
e
EG
= N
Bx
e
EGx
+N
By
e
EGy
+N
Bz
e
EGz
= 0.
Solving the eight equations in the eight unknowns, we obtain
F = 36.6 N .
Other values obtained in the solution are EB = 2.56 m,
N
Ax
= 145 N, N
Ay
= 116 N, N
Az
= 112 N,
N
Bx
= 122 N, N
By
= 150 N, and N
Bz
= 112 N.
Problem 3.79 The 100-lb crate is held in place on the
smooth surface by the rope AB. Determine the tension
in the rope and the magnitude of the normal force exerted
on the crate by the surface.
45
A
B
100 lb
30
Solution: Isolate the crate, and solve the equilibrium conditions.
The weight is W = 0i 100j. The angle between the normal force
and the positive x axis is (90 30) = 60
. The normal force is

N = |N|(i cos 60 +j sin 60) = |N|(0.5i + 0.866j).
The angle between the string tension and the positive x axis is (180
45
) = 135
, hence the tension is

T = |T|(i cos 135
+j sin 135
) = |T|(0.7071i + 0.7071j.
F = W+N+T = 0.
Substituting, and collecting like terms
Fx = (0.5|N| 0.7071|T|)i = 0
Fy = (0.866|N| + 0.7071|T| 100)j = 0

Solve: |T| = 51.8 lb, |N| = 73.2 lb
Check: Use a coordinate systemwith the x axis parallel to the inclined
surface. The equilibrium equation for the x-coordinate is
Fx|W| sin 30
|T| cos 15
= 0
from which |T| =
_
sin 30
cos 15
_
100 = 51.76 = 51.8 lb.
The equilibrium equation for the y-coordinate is
Fy = |N| Wcos 30
+|T| sin 15
0,
from which |N| = 73.2 lb. check.
45
A
B
100 lb
30
y
x
W
N
T
Problem 3.80 The system shown is called Russells

traction. If the sum of the downward forces exerted
at A and B by the patients leg is 32.2 lb, what is the
weight W?
y
W
A
B
20
60
x
25
Solution: Isolate the leg. Express the tensions at A and B in
scalar components. Solve the equilibrium conditions. The pulleys
change the direction but not the magnitude of the force |W|. The
force at B is
F
B
= |W|(i cos 60
+j sin 60
).
F
B
= |W|(0.5i + 0.866j).
The angles at A relative to the positive x axis are: 180
and 180
25
= 155
. The force at A is the sum of the two forces:

F
A
= |W|(i cos 180
+j sin 180
) +|W|(i cos 155
+j sin 155
)
F
A
= |W|(1.906i + 0.4226j).
The total force exerted by the patients leg is F
P
= F
H
i 32.2j,
where F
H
is an unknown component. The equilibrium conditions are
F = F
A
+Ft
B
+F
P
= 0,
from which:
F
X
= (0.5|W| 1.906|W| +F
H
)i = 0
and
F
Y
= (0.866|W| + 0.4226|W| 32.2)j = 0.
Solve for the weight: |W| =
32.2
1.2886
= 25 lb .
W
A
B
20 60
25
Problem 3.81 A heavy rope used as a hawser for a
cruise ship sags as shown. If it weighs 200 lb, what are
the tensions in the rope at A and B?
B 40
55
A
Solution: Resolve the tensions at A and B into scalar compo-
nents. Solve the equilibrium equations. The tension at B is
T
B
= |T
B
|(i cos 40
+j sin 40
)
T
B
= |T
B
|(0.7660i + 0.6428j).
The angle at A relative to the positive x axis is 180
55
= 125
.
The tension at A:
T
A
= |T
A
|(i cos 125
+j sin 125
) = |T
A
|(0.5736i + 0.8192j).
The weight is: W= 0i 200j. The equilibrium conditions are
F = T
A
+T
B
+W= 0,
B
40
55
A
from which
Fx = (0.766|T
B
| 0.5736|T
A
|)i = 0
Fy = (0.6428|T
B
| 0.8192|T
A
| 200)i = 0.
Solve: |T
B
| = 115.1 lb, |T
A
| = 153.8 lb.
Problem3.82 The cable ABis horizontal, and the box
on the right weighs 100 lb. The surfaces are smooth.
(a) What is the tension in the cable?
(b) What is the weight of the box on the left?
A B
20
40
Solution: Isolate the right hand box, resolve the forces into com-
ponents, and solve the equilibrium conditions. Repeat for the box on
the left.
(a) For right hand box. The weight is W = 0i 100j. The angle
betweenthe normal force andthe positive xaxis is (90
40
) =
50
. The force:
N = |N|(i cos 50
+j sin 50
) = |N|(0.6428i + 0.7660j).
The cable tension is T = |T|i + 0j. The equilibrium condi-
tions are
F = T+N+W= 0,
from which
Fx = (0.6428|N| |T|)i = 0
and
Fy = (0.7660|N| 100)j = 0
Solve: |T| = 83.9 lb
(b) For left hand box: The weight W = 0i |W|j. The angle
between the normal force and the positive xaxis is (90
+20
=
110
. The normal force:

N = |N|(0.3420i + 0.9397j).
The cable tension is: T = |T|i + 0j. The equilibrium condi-
tions are:
F = W+N+T = 0,
from which:
Fx = (0.342|N| + 83.9)i = 0
and
Fy = (0.940|N| |W|)j = 0.
Solving for the weight of the box, we get |W| = 230.6 lb.
A
B
20
40
T
T
N
N
W
W
40
20
y
x
Problem 3.83 A concrete bucket used at a construc-
tion site is supported by two cranes. The 100-kg bucket
contains 500 kg of concrete. Determine the tensions in
the cables AB and AC.
B C
A
(5, 14) m (1.5, 14) m
(3, 8) m
y
x
Solution: We need unit vectors e
AB
and e
AC
. The coordinates
of A, B, and C are
_
e
AB
= 0.243i + 0.970j
e
AC
= 0.316i + 0.949j
The forces are
_
T
AB
= 0.243T
AB
i + 0.970T
AB
j
T
AC
= 0.316T
AC
i + 0.949T
AC
j
W = 5886j N
_
Fx = 0.243T
AB
+ 0.316T
AC
= 0
Fy = 0.970T
AB
+ 0.949T
AC
5886 = 0
Solving, T
AB
= 3.47 kN, T
AC
= 2.66 kN
B C
A
(5, 14) m (1.5, 14) m
(3, 8) m
y
x
T
AB
T
AC
A (3,8)
W = mg j
= (600)(9.81)N
Problem 3.84 The mass of the suspended object A is
m
A
and the masses of the pulleys are negligible. De-
termine the force T necessary for the system to be in
equilibrium.
T
A
Solution: Break the system into four free body diagrams as
shown. Carefully label the forces to ensure that the tension in any
single cord is uniform. The equations of equilibrium for the four ob-
jects, starting with the leftmost pulley and moving clockwise, are:
S 3T = 0, R 3S = 0, F 3R = 0,
and 2T + 2S + 2R m
A
g = 0.
We want to eliminate S, R, and F from our result and nd T in terms
of m
A
and g. From the rst two equations, we get S = 3T, and
R = 3S = 9T. Substituting these into the last equilibrium equation
results in 2T + 2(3T) + 2(9T) = m
A
g.
Solving, we get T = m
A
g/26 .
T
A
R
R
R
R R
R
F
S
S
S
S
S
S
T
T
T
T
T
A
m
A
g
Note: We did not have to solve for F to nd the appropriate value of T. The
nal equation would give us the value of F in terms of m
A
and g. We would get
F = 27m
A
g/26. If we then drew a free body diagram of the entire assembly,
the equation of equilibrium would be F T m
A
g = 0. Substituting in the
known values for T and F, we see that this equation is also satised. Checking
the equilibrium solution by using the extra free body diagram is often a good
procedure.
Problem 3.85 The assembly A, including the pulley,
weighs 60 lb. What force F is necessary for the system
to be in equilibrium?
F
A
Solution: From the free body diagram of the assembly A, we
have 3F 60 = 0, or F = 20 lb
F
A
F
F
F
F
F
F
60 lb.
F
Problem 3.86 The mass of block A is 42 kg, and the
mass of block B is 50 kg. The surfaces are smooth. If
the blocks are in equilibrium, what is the force F?
B
45
A
20
F
Solution: Isolate the top block. Solve the equilibrium equations.
The weight is. The angle between the normal force N
1
and the positive
x axis is. The normal force is. The force N
2
is. The equilibrium
conditions are
F = N
1
+N
2
+W= 0
from which
Fx = (0.7071|N
1
| |N
2
|)i = 0
Fy = (0.7071|N
1
| 490.5)j = 0.
Solve: N
1
= 693.7 N, |N
2
| = 490.5 N
Isolate the bottom block. The weight is
W= 0i |W|j = 0i (42)(9.81)j = 0i 412.02j (N).
The angle between the normal force N
1
and the positive x axis is
(270
45
) = 225
.
The normal force:
N
1
= |N
1
|(i cos 225
+j sin 225
) = |N
1
|(0.7071i 0.7071j).
The angle between the normal force N
3
and the positive x-axis is
(90
20
) = 70
.
The normal force is
N
1
= |N
3
|(i cos 70
+j sin 70
) = |N
3
|(0.3420i 0.9397j).
The force is . . . F = |F|i + 0j. The equilibrium conditions are
F = W+N
1
+N
3
+F = 0,
from which:
Fx = (0.7071|N
1
| + 0.3420|N
3
| +|F|)i = 0
Fy = (0.7071|N
1
| + 0.9397|N
3
| 412)j = 0
For |N
1
| = 693.7 N from above: |F| = 162 N
B
45
A
20
F
y
x
B
W
N
2
N
1
x
y
W
F
A
N
3
N
1
Problem 3.87 Cable AB is attached to the top of the

vertical 3-m post, and its tension is 50 kN. What are the
tensions in cables AO, AC, and AD?
x
3 m
y
A
B
D
O
C
(6, 2, 0) m
z
12 m
4 m
5 m
5 m
8 m
Solution: Get the unit vectors parallel to the cables using the
coordinates of the end points. Express the tensions in terms of
these unit vectors, and solve the equilibrium conditions. The coor-
dinates of points A, B, C, D, O are found from the problem sketch:
The coordinates of the points are A(6, 2, 0), B(12, 3, 0), C(0, 8, 5),
D(0, 4, 5), O(0, 0, 0).
The vector locations of these points are:
r
A
= 6i + 2j + 0k, r
B
= 12i + 3j + 0k, r
C
= 0i + 8j + 5k,
r
D
= 0i + 4j 5k, r
O
= 0i + 0j + 0k.
The unit vector parallel to the tension acting between the points A, B
in the direction of B is by denition
e
AB
=
r
B
r
A
|r
B
r
A
|
.
Perform this for each of the unit vectors
e
AB
= +0.9864i + 0.1644j + 0k
e
AC
= 0.6092i + 0.6092j + 0.5077k
e
AD
= 0.7442i + 0.2481j 0.6202k
e
AO
= 0.9487i 0.3162j + 0k
T
AB
= |T
AB
|e
AB
= 50e
AB
, T
AC
= |T
AC
|e
AC
,
T
AD
= |T
AD
|e
AD
, T
AO
= |T
AO
|e
AO
.
F = 0 = T
AB
+T
AC
+T
AD
+T
AO
= 0.
Fx = (0.9864(50) 0.6092|T
AC
| 0.7422|T
AD
|
0.9487|T
AO
|)i = 0
Fy = (0.1644(50) + 0.6092|T
AC
| + 0.2481|T
AD
|
0.3162|T
AO
|)j = 0
Fz = (+0.5077|T
AC
| 0.6202|T
AD
|)k = 0.
This set of simultaneous equations in the unknown forces may be
solved using any of several standard algorithms. The results are:
|T
AO
| = 43.3 kN, |T
AC
| = 6.8 kN, |T
AD
| = 5.5 kN.
y
A
D
O
C
(6, 2, 0) m
4 m
5 m
5 m
8 m
Problem 3.88 The 1350-kg car is at rest on a plane
surface with its brakes locked. The unit vector e
n
=
0.231i+0.923j+0.308kis perpendicular to the surface.
The y axis points upward. The direction cosines of the
cable fromAto Bare cos
x
= 0.816, cos
y
= 0.408,
cos
z
= 0.408, and the tension in the cable is 1.2 kN.
Determine the magnitudes of the normal and friction
forces the cars wheels exert on the surface.
e
n
e
p
y
z
x
B
Solution: Assume that all forces act at the center of mass of the
car. The vector equation of equilibrium for the car is
F
S
+T
AB
+W= 0.
Writing these forces in terms of components, we have
W = mgj = (1350)(9.81) = 13240j N,
F
S
= F
Sx
i +F
Sy
j +F
Sz
k,
and T
AB
= T
AB
e
AB
,
where
e
AB
= cos xi + cos yj + cos zk = 0.816i + 0.408j 0.408k.
Substituting these values into the equations of equilibrium and solving
for the unknown components of F
S
, we get three scalar equations of
equilibrium. These are:
F
Sx
T
ABx
= 0, F
Sy
T
ABy
W = 0,
and F
Sz
T
ABz
= 0.
Substituting in the numbers and solving, we get
F
Sx
= 979.2 N, F
Sy
= 12, 754 N,
and F
Sz
= 489.6 N.
The next step is to nd the component of F
S
normal to the surface.
This component is given by
F
N
= F
N
en = F
Sx
eny +F
Sx
eny +F
Sz
enz.
Substitution yields
F
N
= 12149 N .
From its components, the magnitude of F
S
is F
S
= 12800 N. Using
the Pythagorean theorem, the friction force is
f =
_
F
2
S
F
2
N
= 4033 N.
e
n
e
p
y
z
x
B
A
z
x
y
W
e
n
F
N
F
S
F
T
AB
"car"

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Problem3.

1 The gure shows the external forces act-

Problem3.2 The force F

. The weight of the ring is negligible. Determine the

Fy = (0.375|T| 0.588|M| 800)j = 0

, hence the tension vector projection is

Fx = (|Fx| + 707)i =0,

Fy = (|Ny| 707 196200)j =0

, what is the tension in the rope?

Fx = (600 sin |Tx|)i = 0

Fy = (600 cos +|Ny|)j = 0

|Tx| = 600 sin = 253.6 lb.

Problem 3.15 Three forces act on the free-body dia-

Problem 3.17 The two springs have the same unstret-

Solution: Isolate the block. Apply the linear spring force-

, what is the tension in the wire?

and |W| = (10 kg)

The angle formed by cable C and the +x axis is . The tension is

). The tension is: T

+). The tension in AE is

Problem 3.28 What are the tensions in the upper and

. From the free body diagram for mass A, we

Problem 3.37 The system of cables suspends a 1000-

= 10.392 ft. The distance CDis given by 2010.392 =

; the tension in cable

, and the tension

Problem 3.40 A truck dealer wants to suspend a 4-

Isolate cable juncture B. The angle between BC and the positive x

Substitute and collect like terms

Solution: Draw the free body diagram of the knot at point A.

, the surfaces are smooth,

. From the free body diagram, the equations of equi-

, what are the magnitudes of the forces

, the normal forces are

. The normal force: N

Fx = (|T| cos +|F|)i = 0,

Fy = (|N| |W| +|T| sin )j = 0.

|N| = 490.5 (500)(0.577) = 201.8 N

Problem 3.51 Consider the stationary sphere in

Solution: Calculate the magnitude of the buoyancy force. Draw

Fx = (|D| |T| sin )i = 0

Fy = (|T| cos +|B| |W|)j = 0.

Problem 3.54 The mass of each pulley of the system

Fy = (sin + sin 1)j = 0.

. With the angles known,

N = 0. Take the dot product of e

F = 0 = T+N+W= 1308i + 1308k +N = 0.

F = 0 = T+N+W= 94i + 65.8j

. The normal force is

, hence the tension is

Fy = (0.866|N| + 0.7071|T| 100)j = 0

Problem 3.80 The system shown is called Russells

. The force at A is the sum of the two forces:

) +|W|(i cos 155

. The normal force:

Problem 3.87 Cable AB is attached to the top of the

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