Equilibrium of forces using a vector triangle:
When several forces act on an object and keep it
in equilibrium(balanced) then the forces can be
represented using a vector triangle.
Example:
An 8.0kg mass is supported by a cord attached
to a hook in a ceiling. Another cord is pulled
horizontally to produce the set-up represented
below. What are the tensions in the cords?
(g=10m/s2)
The mass is in equilibrium under the action of
the three forces: T1, T2 and W. We can represent
the 3 forces by:
Centre of Gravity
What is centre of gravity?
The centre of gravity of an object is
defined as the point through which its
whole weight appears to act for any
orientation of the object.
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5.3 Centre of Gravity
Centre of Gravity of some regular shaped objects.
Fig 5.18 Centre of gravity of regular-shaped objects.
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er 8, 2022
5.3 Centre of Gravity
How to find the centre of gravity of an object?
Fig 5.19 A piece of thin lamina that is suspended at various positions will
come to rest with its weight acting directly downward as indicated by a
plumb line. Where do you think the centre of gravity is?
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er 8, 2022
Unit 5.3: Centre of Gravity
How to find the centre of gravity of an object?
Fig 5.20. Locating the centre of gravity of a lamina by the plumb line
method. Note that two lines are sufficient. The third line serves as a check.
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er 8, 2022
For different objects it depends on the shape of
the body and the distribution of mass
Moment of Force
Definition:
The moment of a force (or torque) is the product
of the force and the perpendicular distance from
the pivot to the line of action of the force.
A simple diagram that show the effect of pulling a door open.
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Moment of a force = F x d
where F = force (in N)
d = perpendicular distance from pivot (in m)
• The SI unit of the moment is the newton metre (N m)
• It is a vector and thus has both magnitude and direction.
• Its direction is either clockwise or anti-clockwise.
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Moment of Force
The moment of a force can be clockwise or anticlockwise.
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Principle of Moments:
When a body is in equilibrium, the sum of
clockwise moments about a pivot is equal to the
sum of anticlockwise moments about the same
pivot.
Couple:
When two equal opposite forces separated by a
perpendicular distance act on a body to rotate.
Such a system is called couple.
Example:
Steering wheel
Couple is calculated as the product of one of the
forces and the perpendicular distance between
them.
Density and Pressure:
Density is defined as the mass per unit volume of a
substance.
ρ = m/v
Its unit is kgm-3
Pressure is defined as the normal force acting per
unit cross sectional area.
P = F/A
Its unit is Nm-2 which is also known as Pascal.
1Nm-2 = 1Pa
Pressure in a fluid:
A fluid exerts pressure at its bottom. The
pressure increases with depth.
The atmospheric pressure on the surface of the
earth is due to the weight of the atmosphere
above us.
Divers experience greater pressure as they go
deeper in water.
Pilots know that the higher they fly lower is the
pressure of the atmosphere.
The pressure on a fluid depends on three factors:
1. The depth (h) below the surface
2. The density (ρ) of the fluid
3. The acceleration due to gravity(g)
It is observed experimentally that pressure is
proportional to each of these and we have:
pressure = density x acceleration due to gravity x
depth
p = ρgh
Derivation of P = ρgh:
The equation can be derived by measuring the
force pressing downwards at the bottom of the
fluid.
To measure this consider the following figure:
The volume of water = A x h
Mass of water = ρ x A x h
Weight of water at depth h = ρ x A x h x g
Pressure = Force/Area
= ρ x A x h x g/A
=ρ xhxg
p = ρhg
