PPT Slide
Equilibrium problems are really very “routine”
But you must have a mastery of Forces and Torques!
Draw a force diagram for each object
Draw an extended force diagram for each object
Remember, an “extended force diagram” tells you where
on an object the forces act (for the purpose of calculating torques)
“Regular” force diagrams treat all objects as points with the
mass concentrated at the center of mass
Pick you pivot points to be convenient!
The vector sum of forces and torques individually in each
direction must be zero for equilibrium.
Solve for the relevant variables.