Statics

Examples

Serway 12.1-12.3

Physics 1D03 - Lecture 27

Example:
uniform beam AC:
weight w1 = 100 N
length L = 3.00 m
hinge at A, cable from B to C
w2 = 200 N
Find: tension in BC, force at A.

= 30

A
5/
6

C
1/
6

w2

Steps:
1) Free-body diagram for the beam. The forces will be the
weights w1 and w2, and the forces from the supports at A and C.
2) Net force = 0 (2 equations), net torque =0 (1 equation).
3) Solve for up to 3 unknowns.

Physics 1D03 - Lecture 27

Forces on beam:

Py

30

Px

w1

C
w2

Note the force P from the wall. The hinge at A prevents translational
motion in any direction, so it may exert a force P in any direction.
The unknowns are: tension T, force |P|, and angle ;
or, T, Px and Py .

Physics 1D03 - Lecture 27

Quiz

Py

Px

30
w1

C
w2

How can you generate equations for Px and Py

which dont involve the tension T?

Physics 1D03 - Lecture 27

Equations of Equilibrium

In a 2-D problem, we can generate, at most, three independent

equations from the requirements of static equilibrium of a single
object. There are three combinations:
1) Two force equations,
one torque equation
2) One force equation (components along some axis)
two torque equations (torques about two different pivots).
3) Three torque equations (torques about 3 different pivots).
2) and 3) sometimes do not give 3 independent equations. You
shouldnt pick 3 collinear pivot points; and if you use two pivot
points, taking force components along an axis perpendicular to the
line through these two points will not give a third independent
equation.
Physics 1D03 - Lecture 27

Static Friction Problems: When does it slip?

Assume it is not slipping (so it is in equilibrium);
but is about to slip (so you can set fs = s n, at each point that
has to slip for motion to occur).
Example:
For what angles will the ladder slip?
or,
What coefficient of friction is required to
prevent slipping?

Physics 1D03 - Lecture 27

Example: ladder
A uniform ladder of length L leans against a smooth (= frictionless)
wall at angle to the ground. What is the smallest coefficient of
friction s between ladder and ground which will prevent the ladder
from slipping?
Consider the free body diagram. Note the
force P from the wall is perpendicular (no
friction from the wall).

Plan: treat the weight w, length L,

and angle as known; use the
equations of equilibrium to find the
unknowns N and fs (and perhaps P).

C
w

fs

Physics 1D03 - Lecture 27

What if someone is standing on the ladder? Does that change the

risk of slipping?
What if there is friction at both the floor and the wall?
What if the floor is smooth and the wall is rough (has friction)? Can
the ladder still stay in equilibrium for some range of angles?

Physics 1D03 - Lecture 27

11

Does the problem change if the ladder leans

against the top of the wall? What does the freebody diagram look like?
B

w
A

A= 0

Physics 1D03 - Lecture 27

12

Summary
In static equilibrium, net torque is zero about any point.
In 2-D problems, static equilibrium gives (up to ) 3
independent equations.
There are only a few basic ideas in statics, but you should do a lot
of problems for practice. Of particular importance is the construction
of correct free-body diagrams, and the calculation of torques.

Practice problems: 12-19, 12-41, 12-55, 12-64

Physics 1D03 - Lecture 27

18