Equilibrium of a particle - hibbeler , help please

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem from engineering mechanics, specifically focusing on the equilibrium of a particle. The original poster presents a scenario involving two forces, F1 and F2, with given magnitudes and angles, and seeks assistance in determining their values to achieve equilibrium.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up equilibrium equations based on the forces acting on the particle but expresses confusion regarding the correctness of their calculations. Some participants question the clarity of the problem statement and the definitions of the forces involved, while others provide alternative formulations of the equilibrium equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering insights into the setup of the equations and questioning the assumptions made by the original poster. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet, but guidance has been provided regarding the formulation of the equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential ambiguities in the problem statement, such as the direction of the forces and the reference axis for the angles, which may affect the interpretation of the equilibrium conditions.

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[SOLVED] Equilibrium of a particle - hibbeler , help please

Hi all
I was surfing the net looking for a physics / mechanic forum and thank god i found this.
I have problem with solving Equilibrium problems, hopefully you guys and girls would help me out.

1) Question. ( this is problem 3-1 , in engineering mechanic statics , 11th edition hibbeler)

- Determine the magnitudes of F1 and F2 so that the particle is in equilibrium
Given : F1 = 500N , θ1 = 45deg and θ2 = 30 deg

2) this is how far i went.

ΣFx = F1 cos θ1 + F2 cos θ2 - F = 0

ΣFy = F1 sin θ1 -F2 sin θ2 = 0
-
ΣFx = F1 cos 45 + F2 cos 30 - 500 = 0

ΣFy = F1 sin 45 -F2 sin 30 = 0 -> f1sin 45 = f2sin 30

so , f1 cos 45 + f1sin 45 - 500 = 0
f1 cos 45 + f1 sin 45 = 500
f1 1.41 = 500
500 / 1.41 = 354.60

well that answer is wrong , i know that f1 = 259 and f2 = 366 those are the correct answers

any help guys
thanks in advance
 
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You need to be a bit more specific in the problem statement... are there 3 forces F1, f1, and f2? Direction of F1?? theta reference axis?? etc.
 
This so
f1 cos 45 + f1sin 45 - 500 = 0
is not consistent with
ΣFx = F1 cos θ1 + F2 cos θ2 - F = 0

Taking ΣFx = F1 cos θ1 + F2 cos θ2 - F = 0, and θ1 = 45° and θ2 = 30°, then

F1 cos (45°) + F2 cos (30°) = 0.7071 F1 + 0.866 F2 = 500 N.

The other equation is F1 sin 45° -F2 sin 30° = 0 = 0.7071 F1 - 0.5 F2 = 0.

Subtract the first equation from the second and one obtains

1.366 F2 = 500 N

Solve for F2 and substitute that value into either equation and solve for F1.
 
Thank you very much for your help.
 

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