Two crates, each of mass 350 kg, are placed as shown in the

bed of a 1400-kg pickup truck. Determine the reactions at each

of the two (a) rear wheels A, (b) front wheels B.

s
SOLUTION

Free-Body Diagram:

ic
(a) Rear wheels:
W = (350 kg)(9.81 m/s 2 ) = 3.4335 kN
Wt = (1400 kg)(9.81 m/s 2 ) = 13.7340 kN

ΣM B = 0: W (1.7 m + 2.05 m) + W (2.05 m) + Wt (1.2 m) − 2 A(3 m) = 0

(3.4335 kN)(3.75 m) + (3.4335 kN)(2.05 m)

at
+ (13.7340 kN)(1.2 m) − 2 A(3 m) = 0

A = +6.0659 kN A = 6.07 kN 

(b) Front wheels: ΣFy = 0: − W − W − Wt + 2 A + 2 B = 0

−3.4335 kN − 3.4335 kN − 13.7340 kN + 2(6.0659 kN) + 2B = 0

B = +4.2346 kN B = 4.23 kN 
st
 Solve Problem 4.1, assuming that crate D is removed and that
the position of crate C is unchanged.

Two crates, each of mass 350 kg, are placed as shown in

the bed of a 1400-kg pickup truck. Determine the reactions at
each of the two (a) rear wheels A, (b) front wheels B.

s
SOLUTION

Free-Body Diagram:

(a)
ic
Rear wheels:
W = (350 kg)(9.81 m/s 2 ) = 3.4335 kN
Wt = (1400 kg)(9.81 m/s 2 ) = 13.7340 kN

ΣM B = 0: W (1.7 m + 2.05 m) + Wt (1.2 m) − 2 A(3 m) = 0

at
(3.4335 kN)(3.75 m) + (13.7340 kN)(1.2 m) − 2 A(3 m) = 0

A = + 4.8927 kN A = 4.89 kN 

(b) Front wheels: ΣM y = 0: − W − Wt + 2 A + 2 B = 0

−3.4335 kN − 13.7340 kN + 2(4.8927 kN) + 2B = 0

B = +3.6911 kN B = 3.69 kN 
st
 A T-shaped bracket supports the four loads shown. Determine the
reactions at A and B (a) if a = 10 in., (b) if a = 7 in.

s
SOLUTION

Free-Body Diagram: ΣFx = 0: Bx = 0

ΣM B = 0: (40 lb)(6 in.) − (30 lb)a − (10 lb)(a + 8 in.) + (12 in.) A = 0

(40a − 160)

ic
Since

(a) For a = 10 in.,

A=

Bx = 0, B =
12
ΣM A = 0: − (40 lb)(6 in.) − (50 lb)(12 in.) − (30 lb)(a + 12 in.)
− (10 lb)(a + 20 in.) + (12 in.) B y = 0

By =
(1400 + 40a)
12
(1400 + 40a )
12
(1)

(2)
at
(40 × 10 − 160)
Eq. (1): A= = +20.0 lb A = 20.0 lb 
12
(1400 + 40 × 10)
Eq. (2): B= = +150.0 lb B = 150.0 lb 
12
(b) For a = 7 in.,

(40 × 7 − 160)
Eq. (1): A= = +10.00 lb A = 10.00 lb 
12
(1400 + 40 × 7)
Eq. (2): B= = +140.0 lb B = 140.0 lb 
12
st
 For the bracket and loading of Problem 4.3, determine the smallest
distance a if the bracket is not to move.

--- A T-shaped bracket supports the four loads shown. Determine

the reactions at A and B (a) if a = 10 in., (b) if a = 7 in.

s
SOLUTION

Free-Body Diagram:

ic
For no motion, reaction at A must be downward or zero; smallest distance a for no motion
corresponds to A = 0.
ΣM B = 0: (40 lb)(6 in.) − (30 lb)a − (10 lb)(a + 8 in.) + (12 in.) A = 0

A=
(40a − 160)
12
at
A = 0: (40a − 160) = 0 a = 4.00 in. 
st
 A hand truck is used to move two kegs, each of mass 40 kg.
Neglecting the mass of the hand truck, determine (a) the vertical
force P that should be applied to the handle to maintain
equilibrium when α = 35°, (b) the corresponding reaction at each
of the two wheels.

s
ic
SOLUTION

W = mg = (40 kg)(9.81 m/s 2 ) = 392.40 N

a1 = (300 mm)sinα − (80 mm)cosα
a2 = (430 mm)cosα − (300 mm)sinα
b = (930 mm)cosα

From free-body diagram of hand truck,

Free-Body Diagram:
at
Dimensions in mm

ΣM B = 0: P(b) − W ( a2 ) + W (a1 ) = 0 (1)

ΣFy = 0: P − 2W + 2 B = 0 (2)

For α = 35°
a1 = 300sin 35° − 80 cos 35° = 106.541 mm
a2 = 430 cos 35° − 300sin 35° = 180.162 mm
b = 930cos 35° = 761.81 mm
(a) From Equation (1):
P(761.81 mm) − 392.40 N(180.162 mm) + 392.40 N(106.54 mm) = 0
st
P = 37.921 N or P = 37.9 N 
(b) From Equation (2):
37.921 N − 2(392.40 N) + 2 B = 0 or B = 373 N 
 Solve Problem 4.5 when α = 40°.

A hand truck is used to move two kegs, each of mass 40 kg.

Neglecting the mass of the hand truck, determine (a) the vertical
force P that should be applied to the handle to maintain equilibrium
when α = 35°, (b) the corresponding reaction at each of the two

s
wheels.

SOLUTION

ic W = mg = (40 kg)(9.81 m/s 2 )

W = 392.40 N
a1 = (300 mm)sinα − (80 mm)cosα
a2 = (430 mm)cosα − (300 mm)sinα
b = (930 mm)cosα
Free-Body Diagram:
at
From F.B.D.:
ΣM B = 0: P(b) − W ( a2 ) + W (a1 ) = 0

P = W ( a2 − a1 )/b (1)
ΣFy = 0: − W − W + P + 2 B = 0

1
B =W − P (2)
2
For α = 40°:
a1 = 300sin 40° − 80 cos 40° = 131.553 mm
a2 = 430 cos 40° − 300sin 40° = 136.563 mm
st
b = 930cos 40° = 712.42 mm
392.40 N (0.136563 m − 0.131553 m)
(a) From Equation (1): P=
0.71242 m
P = 2.7595 N P = 2.76 N 
1
(b) From Equation (2): B = 392.40 N − (2.7595 N) B = 391 N 
2
 A 3200-lb forklift truck is used to lift a 1700-lb crate. Determine
the reaction at each of the two (a) front wheels A, (b) rear wheels B.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Free-Body Diagram:
at
(a) Front wheels: ΣM B = 0: (1700 lb)(52 in.) + (3200 lb)(12 in.) − 2 A(36 in.) = 0

A = +1761.11 lb A = 1761 lb 

(b) Rear wheels: ΣFy = 0: − 1700 lb − 3200 lb + 2(1761.11 lb) + 2 B = 0

st
B = +688.89 lb B = 689 lb 
 The lever BCD is hinged at C and attached to a control rod at B. If
P = 100 lb, determine (a) the tension in rod AB, (b) the reaction at C.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Free-Body Diagram:
at
(a) ΣM C = 0: T (5 in.) − (100 lb)(7.5 in.) = 0

T = 150.0 lb 
3
(b) ΣFx = 0: C x + 100 lb + (150.0 lb) = 0
5
C x = −190 lb C x = 190 lb
st
4
ΣFy = 0: C y + (150.0 lb) = 0
5
C y = −120 lb C y = 120 lb

α = 32.3° C = 225 lb C = 225 lb 32.3° 

 The lever BCD is hinged at C and attached to a control rod at B.
Determine the maximum force P that can be safely applied at D if the
maximum allowable value of the reaction at C is 250 lb.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Free-Body Diagram:
at
ΣM C = 0: T (5 in.) − P (7.5 in.) = 0
T = 1.5P
3
ΣFx = 0: P + C x + (1.5P) = 0
5
C x = −1.9 P C x = 1.9 P
4
ΣFy = 0: C y + (1.5P) = 0
5
C y = −1.2 P C y = 1.2 P

C = C x2 + C y2
st
= (1.9 P) 2 + (1.2 P) 2
C = 2.2472 P
For C = 250 lb,
250 lb = 2.2472P
P = 111.2 lb P = 111.2 lb 
 Two links AB and DE are connected by a bell crank as
shown. Knowing that the tension in link AB is 720 N,
determine (a) the tension in link DE, (b) the reaction at C.

s
SOLUTION

Free-Body Diagram:

ic
(a)

(b)
For
ΣM C = 0: FAB (100 mm) − FDE (120 mm) = 0

FAB = 720 N

FDE =
5
6
(720 N)

3
ΣFx = 0: − (720 N) + C x = 0
FDE =
5
6
FAB (1)

FDE = 600 N 
at
5
C x = +432 N

4
ΣFy = 0: − (720 N) + C y − 600 N = 0
5
C y = +1176 N

C = 1252.84 N
α = 69.829°
C = 1253 N 69.8° 
st
 Two links AB and DE are connected by a bell crank as
shown. Determine the maximum force that may be safely
exerted by link AB on the bell crank if the maximum
allowable value for the reaction at C is 1600 N.

s
SOLUTION
See solution to Problem 4.15 for F.B.D. and derivation of Eq. (1).
5
FDE = FAB (1)

ic 6

ΣFy = 0: −
3
ΣFx = 0: − FAB + C x = 0
5

4
5
4
5
Cx =

FAB + C y − FDE = 0

5
− FAB + C y − FAB = 0
6
Cy =
49
30
FAB
3
5
FAB
at
C = C x2 + C y2
1
= (49) 2 + (18) 2 FAB
30
C = 1.74005FAB

For C = 1600 N, 1600 N = 1.74005FAB FAB = 920 N 

st
 Rod ABC is bent in the shape of an arc of circle of radius R. Knowing the
θ = 30°, determine the reaction (a) at B, (b) at C.

s
SOLUTION

Free-Body Diagram: ΣM D = 0: C x ( R) − P( R) = 0

ic Cx = + P

ΣFx = 0: C x − B sin θ = 0
P − B sin θ = 0
B = P/sin θ

B=

ΣFy = 0: C y + B cos θ − P = 0
P
sin θ
θ
at
C y + ( P/sin θ ) cos θ − P = 0
 1 
C y = P 1 − 
 tan θ 
For θ = 30°,
(a) B = P/sin 30° = 2 P B = 2P 60.0° 

(b) Cx = + P Cx = P

C y = P(1 − 1/tan 30°) = − 0.732/P C y = 0.7321P

C = 1.239P 36.2° 
st
 Rod ABC is bent in the shape of an arc of circle of radius R. Knowing that θ = 60°,
determine the reaction (a) at B, (b) at C.

s
SOLUTION
See the solution to Problem 4.33 for the free-body diagram and analysis leading to the following expressions:

ic
For θ = 60°,
(a)

(b) Cx = + P
Cx = + P

C y = P 1 −

B=

P
sin θ

B = P/sin 60° = 1.1547 P

Cx = P
1 
tan θ 

B = 1.155P 30.0° 
at
C y = P(1 − 1/tan 60°) = + 0.4226 P C y = 0.4226 P

C = 1.086P 22.9° 
st
 Beam AD carries the two 40-lb loads shown. The beam is held by a
fixed support at D and by the cable BE that is attached to the
counterweight W. Determine the reaction at D when (a) W = 100 lb,
(b) W = 90 lb.

s
SOLUTION

(a) W = 100 lb
From F.B.D. of beam AD:

ic
(b)
ΣFx = 0: Dx = 0

ΣFy = 0: D y − 40 lb − 40 lb + 100 lb = 0

Dy = −20.0 lb

ΣM D = 0: M D − (100 lb)(5 ft) + (40 lb)(8 ft)

+ (40 lb)(4 ft) = 0

M D = 20.0 lb ⋅ ft

W = 90 lb
or D = 20.0 lb 

or M D = 20.0 lb ⋅ ft 
at
From F.B.D. of beam AD:
ΣFx = 0: Dx = 0

ΣFy = 0: D y + 90 lb − 40 lb − 40 lb = 0

Dy = −10.00 lb or D = 10.00 lb 

ΣM D = 0: M D − (90 lb)(5 ft) + (40 lb)(8 ft)

+ (40 lb)(4 ft) = 0

M D = −30.0 lb ⋅ ft or M D = 30.0 lb ⋅ ft 
st
 For the beam and loading shown, determine the range of values of W for
which the magnitude of the couple at D does not exceed 40 lb ⋅ ft.

s
SOLUTION

For Wmin , M D = − 40 lb ⋅ ft

From F.B.D. of beam AD: ΣM D = 0: (40 lb)(8 ft) − Wmin (5 ft)

+ (40 lb)(4 ft) − 40 lb ⋅ ft = 0

For Wmax ,

ic
From F.B.D. of beam AD:
M D = 40 lb ⋅ ft
Wmin = 88.0 lb

ΣM D = 0: (40 lb)(8 ft) − Wmax (5 ft)

+ (40 lb)(4 ft) + 40 lb ⋅ ft = 0

Wmax = 104.0 lb or 88.0 lb ≤ W ≤ 104.0 lb 

at
st
 A 500-lb cylindrical tank, 8 ft in diameter, is to be raised over a 2-ft
obstruction. A cable is wrapped around the tank and pulled horizontally as
shown. Knowing that the corner of the obstruction at A is rough, find the
required tension in the cable and the reaction at A.

s
SOLUTION

Free-Body Diagram:

ic
Force triangle
at
GD 2 ft
cos α = = = 0.5 α = 60°
AG 4 ft
1
θ = α = 30° ( β = 60°)
2
T = (500 lb) tan 30° T = 289 lb
500 lb
A= A = 577 lb 60.0° 
cos 30°
st
 Determine the reactions at B and D when b = 60 mm.

s
SOLUTION
Since CD is a two-force member, the line of action of reaction at D must pass through Points C and D.

ic
Free-Body Diagram:
(Three-force body)
at
Reaction at B must pass through E, where the reaction at D and the 80-N force intersect.
220 mm
tan β =
250 mm
β = 41.348°
Force triangle

Law of sines:
st
80 N B D
= =
sin 3.652° sin 45° sin131.348°
B = 888.0 N
D = 942.8 N  B = 888 N 41.3° D = 943 N 45.0° 
 Determine the reactions at B and D when b = 120 mm.

s
SOLUTION
Since CD is a two-force member, line of action of reaction at D must pass through C and D .

ic
Free-Body Diagram:
(Three-force body)
at
Reaction at B must pass through E, where the reaction at D and the 80-N force intersect.
280 mm
tan β =
250 mm
β = 48.24°
Force triangle
st
80 N B D
Law of sines: = =
sin 3.24° sin135° sin 41.76°
B = 1000.9 N
D = 942.8 N  B = 1001 N 48.2° D = 943 N 45.0° 
 A T-shaped bracket supports a 300-N load as shown. Determine
the reactions at A and C when α = 45°.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Free-Body Diagram:

(Three-force body)
at
The line of action of C must pass through E, where A and the 300-N force intersect.
Triangle ABE is isosceles: EA = AB = 400 mm
In triangle CEF:
st
CF CF 150 mm
tan θ = = = θ = 12.0948°
EF EA + AF 700 mm
 (Continued)
Force Triangle

s
A C 300 N
Law of sines: = =
sin 32.905° sin135° sin12.0948°

ic A = 778 N ; C = 1012 N 77.9° 

at
st
 A T-shaped bracket supports a 300-N load as shown. Determine
the reactions at A and C when α = 60°.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Free-Body Diagram:
at
EA = (400 mm) tan 30°
= 230.94 mm

CF CF
In triangle CEF: tan θ = =
EF EA + AF
st
150
tan θ =
230.94 + 300
θ = 15.7759°
 (Continued)
Force Triangle

s
ic
Law of sines:
A
=
C
=
300 N
sin 44.224° sin120° sin15.7759°
A = 770 N
C = 956 N

A = 770 N ; C = 956 N 74.2° 

at
st
 A 40-lb roller, of diameter 8 in., which is to be used on a tile floor, is resting
directly on the subflooring as shown. Knowing that the thickness of each
tile is 0.3 in., determine the force P required to move the roller onto the tiles
if the roller is (a) pushed to the left, (b) pulled to the right.

s
SOLUTION

Geometry: For each case as roller comes into contact with tile,

3.7 in.
α = cos −1

ic
Force Triangle



(a)

Law of sines:
4 in.
α = 22.332°

Roller pushed to left (three-force body):

Forces must pass through O.

40 lb
=
P
sin 37.668° sin 22.332°
; P = 24.87 lb

P = 24.9 lb 30.0° 
at
(b) Roller pulled to right (three-force body):
Forces must pass through O.
40 lb P
Law of sines: = ; P = 15.3361 lb
sin 97.668° sin 22.332°

P = 15.34 lb 30.0° 



Force Triangle

st


 One end of rod AB rests in the corner A and the other end is attached to
cord BD. If the rod supports a 40-lb load at its midpoint C, find the reaction
at A and the tension in the cord.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Free-Body Diagram: (Three-force body)
at
The line of action of reaction at A must pass through E, where T and the 40-lb load intersect.
Force triangle
EF 23
tan α = =
AF 12
α = 62.447°
EH 5
tan β = =
DH 12
β = 22.620°
A T 40 lb
= =
sin 67.380° sin 27.553° sin 85.067°
st
A = 37.1 lb 62.4° 
T = 18.57 lb 
 A 50-kg crate is attached to the trolley-beam system shown.
Knowing that a = 1.5 m, determine (a) the tension in cable CD,
(b) the reaction at B.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Three-force body: W and TCD intersect at E.

Three forces intersect at E.

tan β =
0.7497 m
1.5 m
β = 26.556°

W = (50 kg) 9.81 m/s 2

= 490.50 N
Force triangle
at
490.50 N TCD B
Law of sines: = =
sin 61.556° sin 63.444° sin 55°
TCD = 498.99 N
B = 456.96 N

(a) TCD = 499 N 

(b) B = 457 N 26.6° 

st
 Solve Problem 4.73, assuming that a = 3 m.

PROBLEM 4.73 A 50-kg crate is attached to the trolley-beam

system shown. Knowing that a = 1.5 m, determine (a) the tension in
cable CD, (b) the reaction at B.

s
SOLUTION

ic
W and TCD intersect at E.
Free-Body Diagram:
Three-Force Body
at
AE 0.301 m
tan β = =
AB 3m
β = 5.7295°
Three forces intersect at E. Force Triangle
W = (50 kg) 9.81 m/s 2
= 490.50 N
490.50 N TCD B
Law of sines: = =
sin 29.271° sin 95.730° sin 55°
TCD = 998.18 N
st
B = 821.76 N
(a) TCD = 998 N 

(b) B = 822 N 5.73° 

 Determine the reactions at A and B when β = 50°.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Reaction A must pass through Point D where the 100-N force
and B intersect.
In right Δ BCD:

In right Δ ABD:
α = 90° − 75° = 15°
BD = 250 tan 75° = 933.01 mm

tan γ =
AB
=
150 mm
BD 933.01 mm
Free-Body Diagram: (Three-force body)

Dimensions in mm
at
γ = 9.1333°
Force Triangle
Law of sines:
100 N A B
= =
sin 9.1333° sin15° sin155.867°
A = 163.1 N; B = 257.6 N

A = 163.1 N 74.1° B = 258 N 65.0° 

st
 Determine the reactions at A and B when β = 80°.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Free-Body Diagram:
(Three-force body)
at
Reaction A must pass through D where the 100-N force and B intersect.
In right triangle BCD: α = 90° − 75° = 15°
BD = BC tan 75° = 250 tan75°
BD = 933.01 mm
AB 150 mm
In right triangle ABD: tan γ = = γ = 9.1333°
BD 933.01 mm
st
 (Continued)
Force Triangle

s
Law of sines:

ic


100 N
=
A
=
B
sin 9.1333° sin15° sin155.867°
A = 163.1 N
B = 258 N
55.9° 
65.0° 
at
st
 Knowing that θ = 30°, determine the reaction (a) at B, (b) at C.

s
SOLUTION
Free-Body Diagram:

In Δ CDE:

ic
Reaction at C must pass through D where force P and reaction at B intersect.

Force Triangle
tan β =
( 3 − 1) R

= 3 −1
R

β = 36.2°
(Three-force body)
at
P B C
Law of sines: = =
sin 23.8° sin126.2° sin 30°
B = 2.00 P
C = 1.239 P
(a) B = 2P 60.0° 
(b) C = 1.239P 36.2° 
st
 Knowing that θ = 60°, determine the reaction (a) at B, (b) at C.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Reaction at C must pass through D where force P and reaction at B intersect.

In ΔCDE:

Force Triangle
tan β =

=1−
R−

β = 22.9°
R

3
1
R
3
Free-Body Diagram:
(Three-force body)
at
P B C
Law of sines: = =
sin 52.9° sin 67.1° sin 60°
B = 1.155P
C = 1.086 P
(a) B = 1.155P 30.0° 
(b) C = 1.086P 22.9° 
st
 A thin ring of mass 2 kg and radius r = 140 mm is held against a frictionless
wall by a 125-mm string AB. Determine (a) the distance d, (b) the tension in
the string, (c) the reaction at C.

s
SOLUTION
Free-Body Diagram:

(Three-force body)

ic
The force T exerted at B must pass through the center G of the ring, since C and W intersect at that point.
Thus, points A, B, and G are in a straight line.

(a) From triangle ACG: d = ( AG ) 2 − (CG )2

= (265 mm)2 − (140 mm) 2
at
= 225.00 mm
d = 225 mm 
Force Triangle

W = (2 kg)(9.81 m/s 2 ) = 19.6200 N

T C 19.6200 N
Law of sines: = =
265 mm 140 mm 225.00 mm
st
(b) T = 23.1 N 
(c) C = 12.21 N 