Course: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory

Date:

Experiment # 2
Proving the Law of Polygon of Forces

Aim : To prove the Law of Polygon of Forces

Apparatus : Work panel, Weights with hanger, Magnetic protractor scale and Thread
Expt. Setup :

Weights with hanger

Fig 2.1 Experimental Setup

Theory : Law of Polygon of Forces states that, “if any number of forces acting on a particle
can be represented in magnitude and direction by the sides of a closed polygon
taken in order, then the particle will be in equilibrium”. Conversely, if any number
of forces acting on a particle keeps it in equilibrium, then a closed polygon can be
drawn whose sides represent these forces both in magnitude and direction.

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Course: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory

Graphical Solution:
The Law of Polygon of Forces can be proved graphically by representing the forces
acting on a rigid body as sides of a polygon. Consider forces P, Q, R and S acting
on a Work panel as shown in Figure 2.1. These forces can be represented as a
system of forces acting on a particle, keeping it in equilibrium as shown in Figure
2.2 (a). Such a representation is termed as space diagram. Following steps can be
pursued to draw the polygon:

(1) Take a point O as origin and draw O-a parallel and equal to force P to
appropriate scale.

(2) From a draw a-b parallel and equal to force Q to the same scale. The resultant
of these two forces will be represented by O-b according to law of triangle of
forces.

(3) From b draw b-c parallel and equal to force R. Then O-c will represent the
resultant of O-b and force R.

(4) From c draw c-d parallel and equal to S. Then O-d will represent the resultant
of all the forces.

(5) If the body is in equilibrium, this resultant O-d must be zero, i.e. O & d must
coincide or it must be a closed polygon, as shown in the vector diagram of Figure
2.2 (c). If O & d are not coincident, the open side of the polygon represents the
closing error.

Analytical Solution:

Analytically, the solution of the above proof can be easily obtained by using the two Conditions
of Equilibrium (i.e. Fx = 0 and Fy = 0). Consider that force P is horizontal (i.e. along X – axis)
and let , α ,β and γ be the respective angles which the forces Q, R and S make with the direction
of P, as shown in Figure 1.3.

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Course: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory

Figure 2.2 Proof of the Law of Polygon of forces (a) Space diagram and (b) Closed
polygon, i.e. particle in equilibrium (c) Open side of polygon, i.e. closing error.

Figure 2.3 Forces acting on a rigid body

Procedure : - As shown in Figure 2.1, fix the parts to the Work Panel.
1. The circumference of the work panel is graduated in degrees and the pulleys
are also provided with index marks to read the respective directions of the
threads attached to the pan / hangers.
2. Add the weights in the hanger/pans attached at the ends of each thread.
3. Measure the angle between in each forces using magnetic protractor.
4. Draw a space diagram with the correct angles.

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Course: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory

5. Construct the force diagram as shown in the Figure 2.2 and check that its
ends all meet, confirming the theory.
6. Repeat the procedure 3 to 6 for another combination of load and angle
between each forces.

Observation Table:

Weight of the pan/hanger = ________ gm-f

Angle between P
(Horizontal)
Forces (Pan/hanger +
& Resultant
Angle (Degree) weights)
Set (N)
between (gm-f) Resultant (N)
P&Q P&R P&S P Q R S Graphical Analytical Graphical Analytical

1
2
3
4
5

Sample Calculation: [Show sample calculations of the analytical solution for any one set of readings and compare
With the corresponding graphical solution.]

Discussion : [The students shall write down their observations about the practical in this
section. They shall also write down any difficulties faced while performing the
practical. Moreover, they shall also write down suggestions (if any) in improving
the practical.]

Result(s) & :
Conclusion(s)

Precautions :
i. The directions α, β and γ of the forces as observed are correct only if the
threads connecting the force to the ring exactly concentric with the magnetic
protractor.
ii. Pulleys should be friction less.
iii. There should not be any knots in the thread or the knots if any should be fine.

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