Forces Flashcards
Triangle of forces definition
a closed triangle drawn for an object in equilibrium, the sides of the triangle represent the forces in magnitude and direction
Equilibrium definition
an object in equilibrium is either at rest or travelling with constant velocity because its resultant force is zero
Components of a vector definition
the magnitudes of a vector quantity in 2 perpendicular directions
Resolving a vector definition
to split a vector into vectors at right angles
Free-body force diagram definition
a diagram showing all the forces acting on an object
Moment of a force definition
the moment of a force about a point is the product of the force and perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the point
Principle of moments definition
the sum of the clockwise moments about a point is equal to the sum of the anticlockwise moments about the point provided the body is in equilibrium
Couple definition
a pair of equal and opposite forces that act on an object at different points and product rotation only
Torque definition
the product of one of the forces and the perpendicular distance between the forces
Equilibrium and torque
If a body is in equilibrium there is no resultant force and no resultant torque or moment about any point
