Static Equilibrium Chapter Homework Problems
Problem 4.1
A 30 kg barrel is sitting on a handcart as shown below. Determine all forces acting on the barrel.
Problem 4.2
A .25kg ball rolls into a corner as shown below. Assuming the surfaces are smooth (no friction),
determine all the forces acting on the ball.
Problem 4.3
A 50 kg truck engine is lifted using the setup shown below. Assuming that the pulleys shown in the
diagram are frictionless, what force (P) must be applied to the cable to hold the engine in the position
shown below with d = 1m? (Hint: Because of the frictionless pulleys, the tension in the cable will be
uniform throughout the whole length of the cable)
Problem 4.4
Three equally sized cylinders with equal mass are stacked in a groove as shown below. Determine all
forces acting on cylinder C.
Problem 4.5
A hot air balloon is tethered as shown below. Assuming that the balloon is pulling upward with a force of
900 lbs, determine the tension in each of the cables.
Problem 4.6
The diving board shown below is supported by a pin joint at A and frictionless support at B. A 150 lb
diver is standing at the end of the board. Determine the reaction forces acting on the diving board at
points A and B.
Problem 4.7
A simplified crane is shown lifting a 400 kg load. The crane is supported by a pin joint at A, and a cable at
B. Assuming the crane arm is in equilibrium, what are the reaction forces at A and the tension at B?
Problem 4.8
A cart with a mass of 3500 kg sits on an inclined surface as shown below. Determine the reaction forces
acting on each wheel of the cart as well as the tension in the cable supporting the cart.
Problem 4.9
The lighting rig above a stage consists of two 100 lb uniform beams joined together in a T as shown
below (assume the weight acts in the center of each beam). The rig is supported by three cables at A, B,
and C. Determine the tension in each of the three cables.