CESTAT30 – Statics of Rigid Bodies

Lecture 01 – Introduction to the Course

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lecture, students should be able to:
1. Define mechanics, engineering mechanics, and statics
of rigid bodies, and understand their significance in
engineering.
2. Differentiate between scalar and vector quantities and
identify examples of each in real-world scenarios.
3. Recognize and categorize different types of units and
demonstrate an understanding of the SI system of units.
The purpose of mechanics is to explain and predict
4. Apply dimensional homogeneity to verify the
physical phenomena and thus to lay the foundations
correctness of equations and physical formulas.
for engineering applications. You need to know
5. Utilize significant figures and rounding-off techniques in
statics to determine how much force will be exerted
numerical calculations to ensure accuracy in results.
on a point in a bridge design and whether the
6. Describe the concept of force, including its definition
structure can withstand that force. Determining the
and classification based on application and direction.
force, a dam needs to withstand from the water in a
7. Identify different force systems and analyze their
river requires statics. You need statics to calculate
properties in static situations.
how much weight a crane can lift, how much force a
8. Explain the laws of mechanics, including the laws of
locomotive need to pull a freight train, or how much
motion, gravitation, and transmissibility, and understand
force a circuit board in a computer can withstand.
their implications in engineering analysis.
(Beer, Johnston, Mazurek, Cornwell, & Self, 2016)
9. Explain the laws of mechanics and force principles.
10. Describe the general procedure for analyzing
Fundamentals Concepts
engineering problems involving forces on rigid bodies
Space is the geometric region occupied by bodies whose
and demonstrate the ability to apply it to simple static
positions are described by linear and angular
scenarios.
measurements relative to a coordinate system. For
three dimensional problems, three independent
Engineering Mechanics
coordinates are needed. For two-dimensional
Mechanics is a branch of science dealing with the state
problems, only two coordinates are required.
of bodies - at rest, in motion or resulting in
deformation when acted upon by a force system.
Time is the measure of the succession of events and is a
Upon applying a force system to a body, at least one
basic quantity in dynamics. Time is not directly
of the following outcomes may occur: the body may
involved in the analysis of statics problems.
move; if there is not adequate restraint, or it may not
move but noticeably deform. Generally, if the
Mass is a measure of the inertia of a body, which is its
deformation is noticeable, then it is discussed under
resistance to a change of velocity. Mass can also be
deformable-body mechanics (very often called
thought of as the quantity of matter in a body. The
strength of materials or mechanics of materials). If
mass of a body affects the gravitational attraction
the deformation is negligible or no movement occurs,
force between it and other bodies. This force appears
then it is discussed under rigid-body mechanics. Both
in many applications in statics.
are divided into two areas, statics and dynamics.
Statics deals with bodies at rest, and dynamics deals
Force is the action of one body on another. A force tends
with bodies in motion. The branch of mechanics that
to move a body in the direction of its action. The
deals with liquids is called fluid mechanics. (Islam, Al
action of a force is characterized by its magnitude, by
Faruque, Zoghi, & Kalevela, 2021)
the direction of its action, and by its point of
application.
Engineering Mechanics is basically a branch of
mechanics, associated with the study of effect of
A particle is a body of negligible dimensions. In the
forces acting on rigid bodies. Such forces may keep a
mathematical sense, a particle is a body whose
body or bodies in rest or in motion. If a body remains
dimensions are considered to be near zero so that we
in rest condition, it means the net effect of all forces
may analyze it as a mass concentrated at a point. We
acting is zero; this condition of the body is termed as
often choose a particle as a differential element of a
static or equilibrium. However, if the body moves, it
body. We may treat a body as a particle when its
means an unbalanced force is acting and causing the
dimensions are irrelevant to the description of its
motion; this condition of body is termed as dynamics.
position, or the action of forces applied to it.
Thus, engineering mechanics is mainly concerned
with the effect of forces on rigid body. However,
Rigid body. A body is considered rigid when the change
mechanics is broadly classified into various
in distance between any two of its points is negligible
categories depending upon type (nature) of bodies
for the purpose at hand. For instance, the calculation
influenced by forces. The bodies may be solid (rigid
of the tension in the cable which supports the boom
or deformable) or fluid. (Siddiquee, Khan, & Goel,
of a mobile crane under load is essentially unaffected
2018)
by the small internal deformations in the structural

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 CESTAT30 – Statics of Rigid Bodies
Lecture 01 – Introduction to the Course
𝑚/𝑠 2
meter/sec/sec
members of the boom. For the purpose, then, of acceleration
1/sec
𝑠 −1
activity
determining the external forces which act on the (radioactive) 𝑚2
boom, we may treat it as a rigid body. Statics deals square meter
area
primarily with the calculation of external forces which mole/cubic meter
𝑚𝑜𝑙/𝑚2
concentration
act on rigid bodies in equilibrium. Derived units in
candela/square
𝑐𝑑/𝑚2
meter
(Meriam, Kraige, & Bolton, 2016) terms of Base luminance
kilogram/cubic
units 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3
meter
mass density
cubic
Length is used to locate the position of a point in space meter/kilogram
𝑚3/𝑘𝑔
specific volume
and thereby describe the size of a physical system.
Once a standard unit of length is defined, one can meter/sec
velocity, speed 𝑚/𝑠
then use it to define distances and geometric volume
cubic meter
𝑚3
properties of a body as multiples of this unit. Prefixes
When a numerical quantity is either very large or
A concentrated force represents the effect of a loading very small, the SI units used to define its size
which is assumed to act at a point on a body. We can may be modified by using a prefix.
represent a load by a concentrated force, provided Exponential
Prefix SI Symbol
the area over which the load is applied is very small Multiple Form
compared to the overall size of the body. An example 1 000 000 000 109 giga 𝐺
would be the contact force between a wheel and the 1 000 000 106 mega 𝑀
ground. (Hibbeler, 2023) 1 000 103 kilo 𝑘
Submultiple
Units 0.001 10−3 milli 𝑚
Types of Units 0.000 001 10−6 micro 𝜇
Fundamental or Base Units. Units which cannot be 0.000 000 001 10−9 nano 𝑛

altered and have separate entities are called

(Hibbeler, 2023)
fundamental or base units. there are three
physical quantities i.e., length, time and mass,
Numerical Calculations
whose units i.e., meter, sec and kg, respectively;
It is important, however, that the answers to any problem be
are called fundamental or base units and
reported with justifiable accuracy using appropriate
extensively used in mechanics.
significant figures.
Derived Units. These are units which are derived or
dependent on fundamental or base units. For
Dimensional Homogeneity
example, the units of force, work, power, density,
The terms of any equation used to describe a physical
area, volume, velocity and acceleration; are
process must be dimensionally homogeneous; that is, each
derived units.s
term must be expressed in the same units. Provided this is
the case, all the terms of an equation can then be combined
System of units
if numerical values are substituted for the variables.
M.K.S. (Meter-Kilogram-Second) system
C.G.S. (Centimeter-Gram-Second) system
For example,
F.P.S. (Foot-Pound-Second) system / USCS (US
1
Customary System) 𝑠 = 𝑣𝑡 + 𝑎𝑡 2
S.I. (International System) system 2
𝑚 1 𝑚
[𝑚] = [ ] [𝑠] + [ 2 ] [𝑠 2 ]
SI Units 𝑠 2 𝑠
Physical
Types of Units Unit Symbol
Quantity Significant Figures
amount of Mole 𝑚𝑜𝑙
substance The number of significant figures contained in any number
determines the accuracy of the number.
current Ampere 𝐴
For example,
length Meter 𝑚 1079 – four significant figures
Base Units
luminous candela 𝑐𝑑
intensity If zeros occur at the end of a whole number, it may be
unclear as to how many significant figures the number
mass kilogram 𝑘𝑔
temperature kelvin K represents.
time second 𝑠
Supplementary plane angle radian
Units solid angle steradian
𝑟𝑎𝑑
𝑠𝑟
For example,
23 400 - ??? significant figures
Force newton 𝑁 To avoid these ambiguities, we will use engineering notation
frequency hertz 𝐻𝑧
power watt 𝑊 to report a result.
Derived units
with distinct
pressure, pascal 𝑃𝑎
name
stress
This requires that numbers be rounded off to the appropriate
number of significant digits and then expressed in multiples
work, heat, joule 𝐽
of (103), such as (103), (106), or (10–9).
energy

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 CESTAT30 – Statics of Rigid Bodies
Lecture 01 – Introduction to the Course
the arrow indicates the sense of direction of the
For instance, if 23 400 has five significant figures, it is
vector.
written as 23.400(103), but if it has only three significant
figures, it is written as 23.4(103).
In print, vector quantities are represented by boldface
letters such as 𝐀, and the magnitude of a vector is
Rounding-Off Numbers
italicized, 𝐴. For handwritten work, it is often
Rounding off a number is necessary so that the accuracy of
convenient to denote a vector quantity by simply
the result will be the same as that of the problem data.
drawing an arrow above it, 𝐴⃗. (Hibbeler, 2023)

In general, when dealing with numerical figures, if the last Force

digit is greater than five, it is rounded up, and if it is less Force is the action of a body about another body, and it
than five, it is not rounded up. However, there is a special changes or tends to change the state of rest or
case for numbers ending in 5. If the digit preceding the 5 is motion of a body. Forces exist because of an
even, it is not rounded up, but if it is odd, it is rounded up. interaction of one object with another object.
Whenever there is an interaction between two
For example, objects, there is a force upon each of the objects.
3.5587 rounded off to three significant figures → 3.56
0.1049 rounded off to two significant figures → 0.10 The force is a vector quantity as its effect depends on
75.25 rounded off to three significant figures → 75.2 the direction as well as on the magnitude of the
0.2555 rounded off to two significant figures → 0.26 action.

Calculations Force acting on an object may cause the object to

When a sequence of calculations is performed, it is best change its shape, to start moving, to stop moving, to
to store the intermediate results in the calculator. accelerate or decelerate.

In other words, do not round off calculations until As shown in the figure below, the effect of the force
expressing the final result. applied to the bracket depends on 𝑃, the angle 𝜃 and the
location of the point of application. If any of these
This procedure maintains precision throughout the specifications will change, it alters the effect on the
series of steps to the final solution. bracket. So, magnitude, direction, sense and point of
application are characteristics of the force.

Scalar and Vector Quantities

Scalar Quantities are those that can be described
completely by its magnitude only, like mass, length,
volume, power, temperature, and time, etc.
(Siddiquee, Khan, & Goel, 2018)

A scalar is any positive or negative physical quantity

that can be completely specified by its magnitude. Magnitude represents the value of force. The
(Hibbeler, 2023) magnitude can be represented graphically by
drawing a vector to scale.
Vector Quantities are those which cannot be described
completely by its magnitude only, like force, weight, Direction of the force is represented by line of action
moment, couple, displacement, velocity, acceleration, and angle it forms with some reference axis. The
and momentum, etc. For example, if a person is line of action is indefinitely long line on which the
applying 20 Nm couple on cap of bottle, it does not force is laying
specify whether person is tightening or loosing cap
but when direction is stated clockwise or Sense of the force is represented by an arrowhead; it
anticlockwise it serves the full information. Such specifies the direction in which the force moves
quantities which are defined by both magnitude as along the line of action. The direction relates to
well as direction are called vector quantities. the line of action of the force, and the sense is the
(Siddiquee, Khan, & Goel, 2018) way in which the force moves along that line.

A vector is any physical quantity that requires both a Point of application is the exact contact point
magnitude and a direction for its complete (location) at which a force is applied to a body.
description. Examples of vectors encountered in Graphically it is represented by the tip of the
statics are force, position, and moment. A vector is arrowhead (it may be situated in the opposite end
shown graphically by an arrow. The length of the as the arrowhead) and it is unique to each force.
arrow represents the magnitude of the vector, and It may happen that different forces share same
the angle between the vector and a fixed axis defines point of application.
the direction of its line of action. The head or tip of (Sharma, Kumar, Baruaole, & Kumar, 2018)

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 CESTAT30 – Statics of Rigid Bodies
Lecture 01 – Introduction to the Course
Classification of Force
Forces are classified as either contact or body forces.
Contact force is produced by direct physical contact of
two objects, and they are distributed over a surface area
of the body; examples of contact forces include applied
force, frictional forces, normal forces etc. Body force is
produced when body (object) is in a force field such as a
gravitational, electric or magnetic field. These types of
forces results when the two interacting objects are not in
physical contact with each other, and they are distributed
over the volume of the body.

Forces are also considered as an external force or internal

(iii) Parallel coplanar force system: If a number
force. External force is applied externally to an object;
of forces have a parallel line of action in a
they are either applied or reactive forces. Internal force
common plane, then the force system is called
is developed inside the body to resist deformation of
parallel coplanar force system.
body.

Forces may be further classified as concentrated or

distributed force. When the area over which contact force
is applied is very small like a point, the force may be
considered as concentrated on a point. The force which
is distributed over an area is considered as distributed
force.
(Sharma, Kumar, Baruaole, & Kumar, 2018)

Force System
Force System is a collection or pattern or group of various
forces acting on a rigid body. It is of two types and its (iv) Non-parallel coplanar force system: If a
classification depends upon number of forces acting in number of forces do not have parallel line of
planes. action in a common plane, then the force
system is known as non-parallel coplanar
Classification of force system force system.
The force system is classified into two categories
(a) Coplanar Force System
(b) Non-Coplanar Force System

Coplanar Force System

Coplanar force system is the one where a number of
forces work in a single plane or common plane. It
is further divided into:
(i) Concurrent coplanar force system: If a
number of forces work through a common
point in a common plane, then the force
system is called concurrent coplanar force
system.
Non-coplanar force system
It is the one where a number of forces work in
different planes. It is further divided into:
(i) Concurrent non-coplanar force system: If a
number of forces work through a common
point in different planes, then the force system
is called concurrent non-coplanar force
system.

(ii) Collinear coplanar force system: If a number

of forces have single line of action in a
common plane, then the force system is called
collinear coplanar force system.

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 CESTAT30 – Statics of Rigid Bodies
Lecture 01 – Introduction to the Course
Newton’s First Law. A particle remains at rest, or
continuous to move in a straight line with uniform
velocity, if there is no unbalanced force acting on
it.

Newton’s Second Law. The acceleration of a particle

is proportional to the resultant force acting on the
particle and is in the direction of this force.

Newton’s Third Law. The forces of action and

reaction between interacting bodies are equal in
magnitude, opposite in direction, and collinear.
(ii) Non-parallel non-coplanar force system: (Sharma, Kumar, Baruaole, & Kumar, 2018)
When a number of forces are having different
line of action in three different planes, then the The correctness of these laws has been verified by
force system is called non-parallel non- innumerable accurate physical measurements.
coplanar force system. Newton’s second law forms the basis for most of
the analysis in dynamics. As applied to a particle
of mass 𝑚, it may be stated as
𝐹 = 𝑚𝑎

where 𝐹 is the vector sum of forces acting on the

particle and 𝑎 is the resulting acceleration. This
equation is a vector equation because the
direction of 𝐹 must agree with the direction of 𝑎,
and the magnitudes of 𝐹 and 𝑚𝑎 must be equal.

Newton’s first law contains the principle of the

equilibrium of forces, which is the main topic of
(iii) Parallel non-coplanar force system: When a concern in statics. This law is a consequence of
number forces are having parallel line of the second law, since there is no acceleration
action in two different planes, then the force when the force is zero, and the particle either is at
system is known as parallel non-coplanar rest or is moving with a uniform velocity. The first
force system. This force system can exist in law adds nothing new to the description of motion
two, two-dimensional planes only. For but is included here because it was part of
example: the compressive forces in four legs Newton’s classical statements.
of a table represent this force system.
The third law is basic to our understanding of force. It
states that forces always occur in pairs of equal
and opposite forces. This principle holds for all
forces, variable or constant, regardless of their
source, and holds at every instant of time during
which the forces are applied.

In the analysis of bodies under the action of forces, it

is necessary to be clear about which force of each
action–reaction pair is being considered. It is
necessary first to isolate the body under
consideration and then to consider only the one
(Siddiquee, Khan, & Goel, 2018) force of the pair which acts on the body in
question. (Meriam, Kraige, & Bolton, 2016)
Laws of Mechanics
The whole mechanics relies on relatively few basic laws Newton’s Law of Gravitation: This law states that two
which lay down the foundation of mechanics. particles of mass 𝑚1 and 𝑚2 are mutually attracted
with equal and opposite forces 𝑃 and −𝑃 of
Laws of Motion magnitude 𝑃 given by the formula,
𝑚1 𝑚2
Engineering mechanics is formulated on the basis of 𝑃=𝐺
Newton’s three laws of motion, the validity of which 𝑟2
where, 𝑚1 and 𝑚2 = 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠
is based on experimental observation. These laws
𝑟 = 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠
apply to the motion of a particle as measured from a
𝐺 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
nonaccelerating reference frame. They may be briefly
(Sharma, Kumar, Baruaole, & Kumar, 2018)
stated as follows.

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 CESTAT30 – Statics of Rigid Bodies
Lecture 01 – Introduction to the Course
In analytical method it can be determined from the
Law of Transmissibility: It state that, the point of
figure as follows:
application of a force can be transmitted to any other
𝑂𝐶 2 = 𝑂𝐷2 + 𝐶𝐷2
point along its line of action within the body. Force 𝑃
= (𝑂𝐴 + 𝐴𝐷)2 + 𝐶𝐷2
acting at point 𝑂 can be transmitted to point 𝑂′ along
= 𝑂𝐴2 + 2(𝑂𝐴 ∙ 𝐴𝐷) + 𝐴𝐷2 + 𝐶𝐷 2
its line of action as shown in the figure below. 2
= 𝑃2 + 2(𝑃 ∙ 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛼)) + (𝑄𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛼))
= 𝑃2 + 2𝑃 ∙ 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛼) + 𝑄2 cos 2(𝛼) +
𝑄 sin2 (𝛼)
2

= 𝑃2 + 2𝑃 ∙ 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛼) + 𝑄2 (cos 2 (𝛼) +

2 (𝛼))
sin

𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑒: sin2 (𝛼) + cos 2(𝛼) = 1

𝑅2 = 𝑃2 + 2𝑃2 𝑄2 cos 2 (𝛼) + 𝑄2
𝑹 = √𝑷𝟐 + 𝟐𝑷𝟐 𝑸𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝟐 (𝜶) + 𝑸𝟐
𝐶𝐷
And direction, tan(𝜃) =
𝑂𝐷
(Sharma, Kumar, Baruaole, & Kumar, 2018)
𝑸𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝜶)
𝜽 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧−𝟏 ( )
𝑷+𝑸𝒄𝒐𝒔(𝜶)
Laws of Forces
Parallelogram Law Triangle Law
This law states that if two forces acting a point are This law states that if two forces acting at a point are
represented as per magnitude and direction by represented as per magnitude and direction taken
two adjacent sides of a parallelogram, then the in order than the closing side of triangle taken
diagonal of such parallelogram will represent their from starting point to last point represents the
resultant force in magnitude and direction. The resultant force.
parallelogram law can determine the resultant by
two ways, one graphically and second analytically. Consider a body where two forces 𝑅1 and 𝑅2 are
Consider a body where two forces 𝑃 and 𝑄 are acting acting at a point 𝑂 as shown in the figure below.
at a point 𝑂 as shown in the figure below The closing side 𝐴𝐶 of triangle as shown in the
figure below represents the magnitude of the
resultant force, 𝑅3 and ∠𝐶𝐴𝐵 represents
direction of resultant force.

In the graphical method, as shown in the figure

below, if these forces are represented according
to a suitable scale based on their magnitude and
direction (𝛼) by sides of parallelogram 𝑂𝐴 and
𝑂𝐵 respectively, then the length of diagonal 𝑂𝐶
represents magnitude of the resultant and
∠𝐶𝑂𝐴 (𝜃) represent its direction which can be
measured by using a protractor.

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 CESTAT30 – Statics of Rigid Bodies
Lecture 01 – Introduction to the Course
General Procedure for Analysis
Polygon Law
To learn engineering mechanics effectively, it's helpful to
This law states that if several forces acting at a point
attend lectures, read books, and study example problems.
are represented as per their magnitude and
direction in the correct order, then the closing
However, the most successful way to understand the
side from the starting point of the first force to
principles is by solving problems yourself.
the last point of the last force represents the
To do this well, it's important to present your work in a clear
resulting force.
and logical manner, following the suggested steps below:
Consider a body where four forces 𝑃1 , 𝑃2 , 𝑃3 and 𝑃4
1. Carefully examine the problem and establish
are acting at 𝑂 as shown in the figure below
connections between the real-world scenario and
the theory you have learned.

2. Create a table to organize the problem's data and

draw diagrams to a larger scale if needed.

3. Utilize the appropriate principles, typically in

mathematical form. Ensure that any equations you
write are consistent in terms of dimensions.
The length of the closing side 𝐴𝐸 of the polygon as
shown in the figure below represents magnitude 4. Solve the equations required to find the solution
of the resultant force (𝑅) and ∠𝐸𝐴𝐵(𝜃) and present the answer with the required number
represents the direction of the resultant force. of significant figures.

5. Analyze the obtained answer using technical

judgment and common sense to assess its
reasonableness.
(Hibbeler, 2023)

References
Beer, F. P., Johnston, E. R., Mazurek, D. F., Cornwell, P. J.,
& Self, B. P. (2016). Vector Mechanics for
(Siddiquee, Khan, & Goel, 2018) Engineers - Statics and Dynamics (Eleventh ed.).
New York, New York, USA: McGraw-Hill Education.

Hibbeler, R. C. (2023). Engineering Mechanics - Statics.

Pearson Prentice Hall.

Islam, M., Al Faruque, M., Zoghi, B., & Kalevela, S. A.

(2021). Engineering Statics. Boca Raton, Florida,
USA: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Meriam, J. L., Kraige, L., & Bolton, J. N. (2016). Engineering

Mechanics - Statics - SI Version (Vol. 1). John
Wiley & Sons Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Sharma, V., Kumar, A., Baruaole, N. S., & Kumar, M. (2018).

Engineering Mechanics Statics. Oxford, United
Kingdom: Alpha Science International Ltd.

Siddiquee, A. N., Khan, Z. A., & Goel, P. (2018). Engineering

Mechanics - Problems and Solutions. Cambridge,
United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.

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 CESTAT30 – Statics of Rigid Bodies
Lecture 01 – Introduction to the Course
Sample Problems 8. A rocket has a mass 3.529(106) kg on earth.
1. Convert 100 km/h to m/s and 24 m/s to km/h Specify (a) its mass in SI units, and (b) its weight in
1𝑘𝑚 = 1000 𝑚
List down the relevant SI units. If the rocket is on the moon, where the
1 ℎ = 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛
1 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 60 𝑠𝑒𝑐
‘conversion factors’ acceleration due to gravity is gm = 1.61 m/s2,
determine to three significant figures (c) its weight
100 (
𝑘𝑚 1000 𝑚
)( )(
1ℎ
)(
1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
) in SI units, and (d) its mass in SI units.
ℎ 1 𝑘𝑚 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60𝑠
𝟐𝟓𝟎 (𝑎) 𝑚
⃗⃗𝒎/𝒔
𝒎/𝒔 = 𝟐𝟕. 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕 𝑚 = 3.529 × 106 𝑘𝑔
𝟗
Multiply accordingly
minding the ‘units’ (𝑏) 𝑊𝐸 ,
𝑚 1 𝑘𝑚 60 𝑠 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛
24 ( ) ( )( )( ) 𝑊𝐸 = 𝑚 × 𝑔𝐸
𝑠 1000 𝑚 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1ℎ
𝟒𝟑𝟐 𝑊𝐸 = (3.529 × 106 )(9.81 𝑚/𝑠 2 )
𝒌𝒎/𝒉 = 𝟖𝟔. 𝟒 𝒌𝒎/𝒉
𝟓 ∴ 𝑊𝐸 = 34 619 490 𝑁
𝑜𝑟 𝑊𝐸 = 31.61949 𝑀𝑁
2. Convert the density of steel 7.85 g/cm3 to kg/m3
(𝑐) 𝑊𝑚 ,
1 000 𝑔 = 1𝑘𝑔 List down the relevant
100 𝑐𝑚 = 1𝑚 ‘conversion factors’ 𝑊𝑚 = 𝑚 × 𝑔𝑚
𝑊𝑚 = (3.529 × 106 )(1.61 𝑚/𝑠 2 )
𝑔 1 𝑘𝑔 100 𝑐𝑚 3
∴ 𝑊𝑚 = 5 681 690 𝑁
7.85 ( )( )( ) Multiply accordingly 𝑜𝑟 𝑊𝑚 = 5.68169 𝑀𝑁
𝑐𝑚3 1 000 𝑔 1𝑚 minding the ‘units’
𝟕𝟖𝟓𝟎 𝒌𝒈/𝒎𝟑
(𝑑) 𝑚 = 3.529 × 106 𝑘𝑔

3. Round off the following numbers to three

9. A concrete column has a diameter of 350 mm and a
significant figures: (a) 58 342 m, (b) 68.574 s.
(𝑎) 58 342 𝑚 → 58.3 𝑘𝑚 length of 2 m. If the density (mass/volume) of
(𝑏)68.574 𝑠 → 68.6 𝑠 concrete is 2.45 Mg/m3, determine the weight of
the column.
4. Round off the following numbers to three 𝑊𝑐 = 𝑚𝐶 × 𝑔
significant figures: (a) 3.545 m, (b) 45.556 s. 𝑑𝑐 = 350 𝑚𝑚 = 350 × 10−3 𝑚
(𝑎) 3.545 𝑚 → 3.54 𝑚 𝐿 =ℎ=2𝑚
(𝑏)45.556 𝑠 → 45.6 𝑠 𝑚 𝑀𝑔 𝑘𝑔
𝜌 = = 2.45 3 = 2.45 × 103 3
𝑉 𝑚 𝑚
5. Represent each of the following combinations of 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛 (𝐶𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙) = 𝐴𝑏 × ℎ
units in the correct SI form using an appropriate 𝜋𝑑 2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑠, 𝐴𝑏 (𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟) =
prefix: (a) Mg/mm, (b) mN/𝜇s, (c) 𝜇m/Mg 𝑚𝑐
4
𝑀𝑔 106 𝑔 𝑔 𝑔 = 𝜌
(𝑎) = −3 = 109 = 𝐺 𝜋𝑑 2
𝑚𝑚 10 𝑚 𝑚 𝑚 ( )×ℎ
4
𝑚𝑁 10−3 𝑁 𝑁 𝑘𝑁
(𝑏) = = 103 = 𝜋𝑑 2
𝜇𝑠 10−6 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 𝑚𝑐 = 𝜌 ( )×ℎ
4
𝜇𝑚 10−6 𝑚
(𝑐) = = 𝑚/𝑔
𝑀𝑔 106 𝑔 𝜋𝑑 2
𝑊𝑐 = [𝜌 ( ) × ℎ] × 𝑔
4
6. Evaluate each of the following to three significant 𝑘𝑔 𝜋(350 × 10−3 𝑚)2
figures and express each answer in SI units using 𝑊𝑐 = [2.45 × 103
𝑚3
(
4
) × 2𝑚] × 9.81𝑚/𝑠 2
an appropriate prefix: (a) (200 kN)2, (b) (0.005
mm)2, (c) (400 m)3. 𝑊𝑐 = 4 624.779779 𝑘𝑔 ∙ 𝑚/𝑠 2 = 4 624.779779 𝑁
∴ 𝑊𝑐 = 4.6248 𝑘𝑁
(𝑎) (200 𝑘𝑁)2 = (200 × 103 𝑁)2 = 40 × 109 𝑁 = 40𝐺𝑁
(𝑏) (0.005𝑚𝑚)2 = (0.005 × 10−3 𝑚)2
= 25𝑥10−12 𝑚 = 25 𝑝𝑚 10. A rectangular timber beam is made of molave with
(𝑐)(400 𝑚)3 = 64 × 106 𝑚3 = 64 𝑀𝑚3 a density of 0.47 g/cm3. Determine the weight of
the beam if it has a width of 200 mm, height of 350
7. Evaluate each of the following and express with SI mm, and length of 3.50 m. Express your answer in
units having an appropriate prefix: four significant figures.
(a) (50 𝑚N)(6 GN), 𝑊𝑏 = 𝑚𝑏 × 𝑔
(b) (400 mm)(0.6 MN)2, 𝑚 𝑔 100𝑐𝑚 3 1 𝑘𝑔
𝜌 = = 0.47 3 ( ) ( ) = 470 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3
(c) 45 MN3/900 Gg. 𝑉 𝑐𝑚 1𝑚 1000 𝑔
(𝑎)(50 𝑚𝑁)(6 𝐺𝑁) = (50 × 10−3 𝑁)(6 × 109 𝑁) 𝑏 = 200𝑚𝑚 = 2(10−3 )𝑚; ℎ = 3(10−3 )𝑚; 𝐿 = 3.50 𝑚
1 𝑘𝑁 2
= 300 × 106 𝑁 2 ( 3 ) = 300 𝑘𝑁 2 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑚 = 𝑏 × ℎ × 𝐿
10 𝑁 𝑚𝑏
(𝑏)(400 𝑚𝑚)(0.6 𝑀𝑁)2 = (400 × 10−3 𝑚)(0.6 × 106 𝑁)2 =𝜌
= 144 × 10 𝑚𝑁 = 144 𝐺𝑚 ∙ 𝑁 2
9 2 𝑏×ℎ×𝐿
𝑚𝑏 = 𝜌(𝑏 × ℎ × 𝐿)
1 𝑀𝑁 2 𝑊𝑏 = [𝜌(𝑏 × ℎ × 𝐿)] × 𝑔
= 144 × 109 𝑚𝑁 2 ( 6 )
10 𝑁 𝑘𝑔
= 0.144𝑚 ∙ 𝑀𝑁 2 𝑊𝑏 = [470 (2(10−3) × 3(10−3) × 3.50)] × 9.81𝑚/𝑠 2
3 6 3
𝑚3
45𝑀𝑁 45 × (10 𝑁) 𝑁3
(𝑐) = 6
= 50 × 109 ∴ 𝑊𝑏 = 806.9 𝑘𝑔 ∙ 𝑚/𝑠 2 = 806.9𝑁
900 𝐺𝑔 900 × 10 𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑔
9
𝑁 3 1 𝑘𝑁 3
= 50 × 10 ( ) = 50 𝑘𝑁 3 /𝑘𝑔
𝑘𝑔 103 𝑁

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