Teacher tutorial

Topic: 4.1 Forces and Equilibrium

Lesson 2: Forces in Equilibrium

Version 1
Forces around a point experiment

• How can we investigate equilibrium?

pulley

𝛼 Vertical
support
board

Paper attached to board

Mass A Mass B Mass C

Finding missing forces in equilibrium

The given forces act on a particle

A = 12N
at O which is in equilibrium. By
resolving in two directions, find P
𝑦 B = 8N
and Q. P 7N C = 12N

60o
30o O 10N
𝑥
Q
Finding missing forces in equilibrium

Resolving parallel to the x axis:

𝑦
P 7N

60o
30o O 10N
𝑥
Q
Finding missing forces in equilibrium

Resolving parallel to the y axis:

𝑦
P 7N
Substituting in for Q:

60o
30o O 10N
𝑥
Q
Finding missing forces and angles in equilibrium

A particle of mass 2kg is attached to

the lower end of an inextensible string.
The upper end of this string is fixed. A
horizontal force of 21N and an upward
force of 0.5g N act upon the particle,
T 0.5g N
which is in equilibrium with the string
making an angle with the vertical. 𝜃 21 N
Calculate the tension (T) in the string
and the angle .

2g N
Finding missing forces and angles in equilibrium

Resolving horizontally:

T 0.5g N

Resolving vertically:
𝜃 21 N

2g N
Rearranging:
2
Finding missing forces and angles in equilibrium

Substituting 2 into 1

Using the identity: 0.5g N

T
𝜃 21 N

2g N
Finding missing forces and angles in equilibrium

Substituting into 1

T 0.5g N
𝜃 21 N

2g N