After studying this unit, the students will be able to:
- Define like and unlike parallel forces.
- State head to tail rule of vector addition of forces / vectors.
- Describe how a force is resoved into its perpendicular components.
- Determine the magintude and direction of a force from its perpendicular components.
- Define moment of force or torque as moment = force x perpendicular distance from pivot to the line of action of force.
- Explain the turning effect of force by relating it to everyday life. - State the principle of moments.
- Define the centre of mass and centre of gravity of a body.
- Define couple as a pair of forces tending to produce rotation.
- Prove that the couple has the same moments about all points.
- Define equilibrium and classify its types by quoting examples from everyday life.
- State two conditions for equilibrium of a body.
- Solve problems on simple balanced systems when bodies are supported by one pivot only.
- Describe the states of equilibrium and classify them with common examples.
- Explain effect of the position of the centre of mass on the stabililty of simple objects.