Coplanar and Non-Coplanar Forces:

This unit seeks to introduce to you different systems of forces. The requirement for this is the concept of a force and the several types of forces occurring in nature. Additionally to this, you must have the basic knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, co-ordinate geometry, and a little bit of calculus. The study of this unit shall enable you to understand the effect of forces on different types of structures.

Objectives

After studying this unit, you should be able to

• recognize the different systems of forces,
• add simultaneous forces vector ally,
• resolve forces into components,
• add forces through components,
• determine the moment of a force, and
• Conclude the resultant of non-concurrent forces.