The discussion focuses on calculating forces acting at supports in structural physics, specifically for triangular supports under load. Key concepts include the equilibrium of forces and moments, where the sum of vertical forces must equal zero, and the balance of moments is essential for stability. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding torque and suggest that the user should research the "Balance of Moments" to gain foundational knowledge. The conversation highlights the necessity of applying theoretical principles to practical problems, especially in a university physics context.
PREREQUISITESStudents in introductory physics courses, engineering students, and anyone seeking to understand the principles of forces and equilibrium in structural mechanics.
That the horizontal forces sum up to 0 if no forces are applied horizontally vice versa for vertical forces. That is all I know I am stuck from there on out. I have attempted doing the first part as follows:BvU said:Hello John, and welcome to PF :)
In the guidelines you can read why all these (mandatory) rules. It helps us help you at an appropriate level, too. In short: what do you know and what have you tried so far ?
Have you learned that, for a rigid body to be in equilibrium, you must have a balance of forces and moments? Have you learned about moments yet?John_apples said:That the horizontal forces sum up to 0 if no forces are applied horizontally vice versa for vertical forces. That is all I know I am stuck from there on out. I have attempted doing the first part as follows:
The support on the left of part 1 is 2m away from the 10kN force therefore its value would be the vertical force applied divided by the distance away from the forces main point of contact. In other words: 10kN divided by 2m which is a 5kN force acting on the left support but I have been told this is not how you calculate it and I have no recommended text or notes to base this off. Also working in SI units is a challenge for me but its manageable. Thanks.
Could you perhaps guide me in layman's words on how one would approach calculating forces applied on the loads [triangles] ?
Chestermiller said:Have you learned that, for a rigid body to be in equilibrium, you must have a balance of forces and moments? Have you learned about moments yet?
Chet
Yes :)Would posting a picture of my attempt deem me worthy of a simple explanation to my problem?
Yes. So, again, have you learned how to do a balance of moments yet?John_apples said:Is that information necessary in calculating the forces applied on the supports?
You can guess a little: in picture 1, forget about the forces and place yourself on the board. If you stand right on top of the left support, you expect that one to carry your weight. Idem right. And in the middle, your weight will be evenly distributed over the two.Could you perhaps guide me in layman's words on how one would approach calculating forces applied on the loads [triangles] ?
My tutor is incomprehensible so I suppose the answer would be a no yet I am expected to do this.Chestermiller said:Yes. So, again, have you learned how to do a balance of moments yet?
Chet
Do you have a textbook? If so, what textbook are you using? (Your tutor is not going to be there to hold your hand when you get into the real world).John_apples said:My tutor is incomprehensible so I suppose the answer would be a no yet I am expected to do this.
Like I said, no textbook given and why state the obvious? I am in University to learn. The real world comes later, first comes acquiring and learning the skills to live in it.Chestermiller said:Do you have a textbook? If so, what textbook are you using? (Your tutor is not going to be there to hold your hand when you get into the real world).
Chet
Are you saying that you are taking a University course in Physics, and there is no textbook? Does your University have a library? What University is this?John_apples said:Like I said, no textbook given and why state the obvious? I am in University to learn. The real world comes later, first comes acquiring and learning the skills to live in it.
I am taking a course where the tutor does not give notes instead we must listen and write our own. No recommended texts were suggested by him. If you're not willing to help I'm sure I can find out off a class mate or something. I came here for the convenience and based on a friend's recommendation of the forum but I'm starting to think it is more inconvenient than helpful. I've asked this question well over an hour ago and instead of answers I've been receiving questions. I told what I've attempted, what my available resources are (i.e. not many) and have said would uploading a screenshot of my current workings be enough to qualify for help off somebody who knows how to do it.Chestermiller said:Are you saying that you are taking a University course in Physics, and there is no textbook? Does your University have a library? What University is this?
Chet
BvU said:He let's stick to the problem at hand ! To enroll in university, you have to have to fulfil some prerequisites, like college, primary school, or as an absolute minimum: kindergarten. So we're OK !
John: think see-saw in playground. Me at 100 kg, 2 m away from the support. Where does my kid brother (50 kg) have to sit on the other side to get equilibrium ?
As a moderator at Physics Forums, I'll say it straight also. We at Physics Forums are not here to teach you all the fundamentals of Physics; that should be covered in your course. We are only here to help you over the rough spots, and to help you to help yourself solve homework problems. You need to study the basics on your own. In posts #5 and #7, I mentioned moments and balance of moments. BvU also alluded to this. The way I will get started helping you is to suggest that you Google the subject Balance of Moments, and read the material in the links that are provided. If you have any questions about the material in these links, both BvU and I will be pleased to answer them. Once you gain some understanding of the material, we will also help you apply what you have learned to address the kinds of problems in post #1. Fair enough?John_apples said:I am taking a course where the tutor does not give notes instead we must listen and write our own. No recommended texts were suggested by him. If you're not willing to help I'm sure I can find out off a class mate or something. I came here for the convenience and based on a friend's recommendation of the forum but I'm starting to think it is more inconvenient than helpful. I've asked this question well over an hour ago and instead of answers I've been receiving questions. I told what I've attempted, what my available resources are (i.e. not many) and have said would uploading a screenshot of my current workings be enough to qualify for help off somebody who knows how to do it.
I'll say it straight. I do not need somebody to do my work for me as I would learn nothing in the progress, however an explanation with examples would be extremely appreciated.
Oh boy, I misread this one and don't want to leave this uncorrected -- there may be others who read all this later on.Also to answer your question seeing how you are double his weight he would need to sit half the distance you are sitting from the point.