Forces in Static Equilibrium

When an object is in static equilibrium (velocity = 0 m/s) the net force acting on the object is zero To solve these problems, we must break up the angled forces into their x and y components

Lets Try an Example Together!

A 20 kg sign is suspended motionless from the ceiling by two ropes, T1 and T2. Calculate the unknown tensional forces (T1 and T2).

T1

T2

30

60 20 kg

Step 1: Draw a simple sketch for the forces acting on the hanging mass
T1 T2

30

60

Step 2: Measure the angle of each force starting from the positive x axis and rotating counterclockwise
T1 T2

+ x axis

Step 3: Write each force with their respective angle

T1 T2

+ x axis

T1 @ 150 T2 @ 60 W @ 270

Note: Weight (Fgrav) is always at a 270 angle

Step 4: Break each force down into its x and y components using an organized table (use cos for x and sin for y components)
Force T1 @ 150 T2 @ 60 X T1cos150 T2cos60 Y T1sin150 T2sin60

W @ 270 (20)(9.8)cos270 (20)(9.8)sin270 Resultant 0 0

Step 5: Solve for any possible answers that you can in the table
Force T1 @ 150 X T1cos150 = -.866T1 T2cos60 = .5T2 (20)(9.8)cos270 =0 0 Y T1sin150 = .5T1 T2sin60 = .866T2 (20)(9.8)sin270 = -196 0

T2 @ 60
W @ 270 Resultant

Step 6: Solve for the unknown variables (T1 and T2) by setting the sum of the x components equal to zero and/or by setting the sum of the y components equal to zero
We can do this because the system is in equilibrium (constant velocity = 0 m/s) therefore Fnet = 0

X components
-.866T1 + .5T2 + 0 = 0
.5T2 = .866T1 .5 .5 T2 = 1.732T1

Y components
Step 7: Now use the substitution method to take your answer from the x component and use it to help solve for T1 and T2 + .866T2 + (-196) = 0 .5T1 + .866(1.732T1) + (-196) = 0 .5T1 + 1.499T1 = 196 1.99T1 = 196 T1 = 98.5 N
..5T1

Step 8: Now, if necessary, solve for the other unknown force T2 = 1.732T1
And since we know T1 = 98.5 N T2 = 1.732(98.5) T2 = 171 N