22 Chapter 2 • Statics Te unit in which force is measured is the newton (N) and can be defined as follows:


D


Definition 2.2 Newton A newton is the force which will cause a body with a mass of 1 kg to accelerate at 1 m/s2.


Fromthis it can be seen that 1 N = 1 kg m/s2.


2.1.2 Force as a vector A force possesses both magnitude and direction, and is therefore a vector quantity.


In order to represent a force fully, its point of application must be included in the vector or its nature must be stated, i.e. whether it is a pushing or a pulling force. Terefore, in order to represent a force fully, the following must be indicated:


• Magnitude. • Direction. • Point of application or nature.


2.1.3 Coplanar forces D


Definition 2.3 Coplanar forces Coplanar forces are forces which act in the same plane.


Only coplanar forces are considered in this course.


2.1.4 System of forces D


Definition 2.4 System of forces A system of forces is two or more forces acting on a body.


2.1.5 Resultant force D


Definition 2.5 Resultant force A resultant force is that single force which can replace a system of forces and still have the same effect as the system.


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