Two rigid rods, XZ and YZ, are fixed to a vertical wall at points X and Y.

Q#950: [Forces > Equilibrium] (Past Exam Paper – June 2008 Paper 1 Q13)

Two rigid rods, XZ and YZ, are fixed to a vertical wall at points X and Y.

Load of weight W is hung from point Z.

The load is not moving.


Which diagram shows the forces acting at point Z?




Solution 950:

Answer: A.
Since the load is not moving, the system is in equilibrium.

The weight W of the load is downwards.

Consider the rod XZ. There should be a tension along this rod from Z to X for the system to be in equilibrium. [B and C are incorrect]

Now, consider the force in XZ and the weight. The weight acts downwards and the force in XZ has a component vertically down. So, we need a force with having a component vertically up, so that the vertical forces on the system is in equilibrium. 

Thus, the force should be from Y and Z. [D is incorrect]

If the forces were as shown in choice B, the rod would bend. The resultant vertically downward force would be greater than the vertically upward force since the magnitudes of W and the force in YZ (represented by their lengths) would be greater.

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