Topic 2. Mechanics.
2.2 Forces
 Guidelines for problem solving (translational equilibrium)
• Draw the free-body diagram for each body
• Draw suitable x and y axes
• Resolve each force into x and y components (use sine and cosine)
• Set the condition Fnet = 0 (if resultant force equal to “0”)
• Apply Fnet = 0 to each axis and solve the equations (if resultant force equal to “0”)
• Identify magnitude and direction (angle) of the resultant force
Q1
By resolving the vectors into components, calculate if the following bodies are in translational
equilibrium or not. If not, calculate the resultant force.
Q2
If the following two examples are in equilibrium, calculate the unknown forces F1, F2, and F3.