What is the correct statement of Varignon's theorem?

  • #1
Hak
709
56
What is the correct statement of Varignon's theorem?
On the net I find some discrepancies between the various statements: in some cases the vectors of the system referred to by the theorem must be applied at the same point or such that their lines of action pass through the same point, in other cases the vectors are generic; in some cases the theorem concerns the equality of momentum vectors, in other cases it concerns the equality of the magnitudes of the momentum vectors only...
I'm a bit confused. Thank you very much for any reply.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hak said:
What is the correct statement of Varignon's theorem?
On the net I find some discrepancies between the various statements: in some cases the vectors of the system referred to by the theorem must be applied at the same point or such that their lines of action pass through the same point, in other cases the vectors are generic; in some cases the theorem concerns the equality of momentum vectors, in other cases it concerns the equality of the magnitudes of the momentum vectors only...
I'm a bit confused. Thank you very much for any reply.

I understand your confusion, because all are 'sort of' correct.

The theorem states essentially that the moment sum of 2 or more concurrent and coplanar forces (that is, acting in the same plane and meeting or tending (line of action) to meet at a point) is equal to the moment of the resultant of those forces about that point.

If the force vectors are not concurrent, but rather, parallel, then the theorem still applies, however, the resultant (non zero) of the parallel forces changes the location of that resultant, which can be calculated using the theorem, but that is a circular argument.

You then mention 'momentum vector' but you meant to say 'moment vector', the direction of which is out of plane using the right hand rule. The sum of each of the force moments about a point is equal to the resultant moment vector about that point. Now since moment vectors are often considered as plus or minus depending on if they are clockwise or counterclockwise, you might say that the magnitudes are equal, but that is a bit weak since moments are vectors.

The theorem can be extended to three dimensions, but then you are talking moments about an axis instead of a point.


 
  • #3
PhanthomJay said:
I understand your confusion, because all are 'sort of' correct.

The theorem states essentially that the moment sum of 2 or more concurrent and coplanar forces (that is, acting in the same plane and meeting or tending (line of action) to meet at a point) is equal to the moment of the resultant of those forces about that point.

If the force vectors are not concurrent, but rather, parallel, then the theorem still applies, however, the resultant (non zero) of the parallel forces changes the location of that resultant, which can be calculated using the theorem, but that is a circular argument.

You then mention 'momentum vector' but you meant to say 'moment vector', the direction of which is out of plane using the right hand rule. The sum of each of the force moments about a point is equal to the resultant moment vector about that point. Now since moment vectors are often considered as plus or minus depending on if they are clockwise or counterclockwise, you might say that the magnitudes are equal, but that is a bit weak since moments are vectors.

The theorem can be extended to three dimensions, but then you are talking moments about an axis instead of a point.
Thank you very much.
 
  • #4
You’re welcome👍
 
  • #5
Copied from:
https://www.uobabylon.edu.iq/eprints/publication_12_18868_684.pdf
Varignon's theorem.jpg
Parallel vectors.jpg

Varignon's theorem.jpg


Parallel vectors.jpg
 

What is Varignon's theorem?

Varignon's theorem states that the moment of a force about any point is equal to the sum of the moments of the force's components about the same point.

What is the correct statement of Varignon's theorem?

The correct statement of Varignon's theorem is that the moment of a force about a point is equal to the sum of the moments of its components about the same point.

How is Varignon's theorem used in mechanics?

Varignon's theorem is used in mechanics to simplify the calculation of moments of forces by breaking down complex forces into their components.

Can Varignon's theorem be applied to non-coplanar forces?

Yes, Varignon's theorem can be applied to non-coplanar forces by considering the moments of the forces about a common point.

What are some practical applications of Varignon's theorem?

Some practical applications of Varignon's theorem include analyzing the stability of structures, calculating moments in engineering designs, and determining equilibrium conditions in statics problems.

Similar threads

  • Mechanics
Replies
33
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
945
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
920
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
6K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
331
Back
Top