Fundamentals of Engineering Statics and Dynamics

Question 1

For a body to be in static equilibrium, the sum of all forces and the sum of all moments must each equal:

Accepted Answer

Zero

Answer

Static equilibrium requires ΣF = 0 (force equilibrium) and ΣM = 0 (moment equilibrium) simultaneously.

Question 2

A simply supported beam of length 10 m carries a 50 kN load at mid-span. What is each reaction force?

Accepted Answer

25 kN

Answer

By symmetry, each support carries half the load: 50/2 = 25 kN.

Question 3

The moment of a force about a point equals:

Accepted Answer

Force times perpendicular distance from the point to the line of action

Answer

Moment M = F × d, where d is the perpendicular distance (moment arm) from the point to the line of action.

Question 4

What is the formula for Newton's second law in dynamics?

Accepted Answer

ΣF = ma

Answer

Newton's second law states that the net force equals mass times acceleration: ΣF = ma.

Question 5

What is the centroid location (ȳ) of a rectangle with height h measured from its base?

Accepted Answer

h/2

Answer

The centroid of a rectangle is at its geometric center, which is h/2 from any edge.

Fundamentals of Engineering Practice Test