Principles of Statics
Principles of Statics
WHAT IS STATICS?
-To find the resultant force in this case, we first sum all the
forces that go in one direction, and then all the forces that go
in the other direction. At this point, we have two forces that
are in opposite directions, which is a case that we already
know how to solve, the resultant force has the same direction
as the force with the larger magnitude, and its magnitude is
equal to the difference between the two magnitudes.
Forces that are not parallel:
• Forces and Components:
•Fx = horizontal component of the force F
•Fx = F cosθ
•Fy = vertical component of the force F
•Fy = F sinθ
2 2
•F = √(𝐹𝑥) + (𝐹𝑦)
𝐹𝑦
•Tan θ =
𝐹𝑥
•θ = direction of the force F from the horizontal
Exercises:
1. John and Rob are engaged in a tug of war. John is pulling with a
force of 230 N, and Rob is pulling with a force of 215 N. Determine
the magnitude and direction of the resultant force.
2. A car of 1400 kg is subject to multiple forces which produce an
acceleration of 3.5 m/s2 directed north. Find the net force.
3. A block is pulled by two forces of 15 N and 25 N to the left, and by
three forces of 10 N, 20 N, 30 N to the right. Find the magnitude
and direction of the resultant force.