Basics 91
The chapter explores the foundational concepts of force, examining its definitions, types, and practical applications. Key focuses include the moment of force, conditions for equilibrium, and the principle of moments, providing a structured understanding of how forces interact in various scenarios. Additional insights into couples and the center of gravity emphasize the importance of these concepts in physical systems.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Force is defined as a push or pull that can alter the motion of an object.
- The moment of force, or torque, measures the rotational effect of when a force is applied at a distance from a pivot point.
- Equilibrium conditions stipulate that both the sum of forces and the sum of moments acting on a body must equal zero.
Key Concepts
- -- Force
- A push or pull acting on a body that can change its state of rest or motion, measured in Newtons (N).
- -- Moment of Force (Torque)
- The turning effect of a force about a pivot; calculated by multiplying the force by the perpendicular distance to the pivot.
- -- Couple
- Two equal and opposite forces acting on a body causing it to rotate without translating.
- -- Equilibrium
- A state where the body remains at rest or moves with constant velocity; achieved when the sum of forces and the sum of moments is zero.
- -- Principle of Moments
- For a body in equilibrium, the total clockwise moments about a point equal the total anticlockwise moments.
- -- Center of Gravity (CG)
- The point where the weight of a body acts irrespective of its orientation; found at the geometric center for regular shapes.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.