Analyzing

Physics Form 4

Forces in Equilibrium
. remains
stationary (if the
object is stationary)
(ii) moves at a
constant velocity
( if the object is
moving)

The principle of the

forces in equilibrium
states,
When forces act
upon an object , the
object is said to be in
a state of equilibrium
when the resulting
force acting on the
object is zero (no net
force acting upon it)

Examples Forces in
Equilibrium

Weight = Normal reaction

Weight = Tension

Buoyant force = Weight

Weight = Normal reaction

Examples Forces in
Equilibrium

Weight = Normal reaction

Pulling force = Frictional force

Weight = Lifting force

Driving force = Dragging force

Resultant force
Force is a vector quantity
and hence it has magnitude
and direction.
Two or more forces which
act on an object can be
combined into a single force
called the resultant force.
If two forces are in same
line, we simply add the
forces if both pull or push
together; subtract them if
one is in the opposite
direction

Two Forces in Equilibrium

P + Q=0
P =Q

Three Forces in Equilibrium

P

Q
R

3 forces in balance

Triangle method

Refer example 2 module

Parallelogram method
Two forces of 40N and 60 N act at 600 to each other at a point as
represented below

1. Choose a scale
Suppose we let 2cm represent 10N. Then an 8cm line
represents the 40N force and a 12cm line represents the
60N force. Draw these lines with a 600 angle between
them:

2. Complete the
parallelogram

3. Draw the diagonal from the point

of application of the forces

The diagonal labelled R represents the resultant force measure this and convert its length to newtons:Diagonal R =
17.4cm, so the resultant force R = (17.4/2)*10 = 87N
4.Measure a suitable angle:
The angle A = 230.
Thus, the resultant of the two original forces is a force of size
87N acting at 230to the 60N force

Resolution of forces
is an angle between the force F to the horizontal line
the sign of the force depend on the quadrant where the force , F is placed

Fx = F cos
Fy = F sin

A force can be resolved into two components, that is,

(i)
the horizontal component, Fx and
(ii)
the vertical component , Fy

Inclined plane
A = W sin
B = W cos

example
Find the values of Px and Py for the
following figures.

Figure shows a stationary wooden

block of mass 50 g which is placed on
a inclined plane that is at an angle of
40o to the horizontal.
What is the magnitude of the weight
parallel to the inclined plane