Department of Civil Engineering

Experiment list of Engg. Mechanics

BE-203
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

To verify law of Triangle of forces by Gravesands Apparatus.

To verify law of Parallelogram Law of forces by Gravesands Apparatus.
To verify the law of Polygon of forces by Gravesand;s Apparatus.
To verify Lamis Theorem by Jib Crane Apparatus.
To verify the forces in different members of a Jib Crane.
To fine out support reaction by Parallel Force Apparatus.
To verify the B.M. at a section by using B.M. Apparatus.
To find the coefficient of friction () between two surfaces by Horizontal

9.

Plane Apparatus.
To find the coefficient of friction ( ) between two surfaces by an Inclined

10.
11.
12.

Plane Apparatus.
To find mechanical advantage by an Inclined Plane Apparatus.
To find the efficiency of a differential wheel and axle.
To determine the force in the various members of a pin jointed simple truss.

Experiments/graphical methods performed/to be performed beyond the syllabus

of RGPV:
1.
2.

To find the center of different shaped Laminas by using C.G. Apparatus.

To find magnitude and position of resultant of given coplanar forces

3.
4.

graphically and verify by the analytical method.

To find C.G. graphically and verify by the analytical method.
To find the force in the member of a given truss graphically and verify the
analytical method.

EXPERMENT-1
OBJECT:
To verify law of triangle of forces by Gravesands Apparatus.
PRINCIPLE:
If two coplanar forces acting on a body are represented, in magnitude and
direction by the two sides of a triangle taken in order, then resultant will be
represented in magnitude by the third side of the triangle taken in same order but the
direction of resultant will opposite to that of third side in cyclic order
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
Gravesand apparatus, Weights with hangers,, inextensible string, mirror strip,
drawing board pins or cello tape, drawing sheet, set of engineers scale, set squares,
pencil etc.
INTRODUCTION OF APPARATUS:
Gravesand apparatus consists of a board fitted with two frictionless pulleys at
its top corners for verifying triangle law of forces.

Fig. 1 : Force Board

PROCEDURE:
(i)
Tie three strings in a steel ring in such a way as if radiating from the centre of
the ring or tie the three strings with a fine knot.
(ii)
Hang the known weights W1,W2 & W3 at the ends of the strings.
(iii)
Fix a piece of drawing sheet on force board with the help of tape or pins.
(iv)
When the ring is in equilibrium viz. in rest position. Locate the position of
three string on drawing sheet by pencil as follows.
(v)
Put the mirror strip, below the string having W1 Weight, in such a way that
image of string may be visible in mirror. Mark two points P 1 and P1 on
drawing sheet, near two ends of mirror strip to show the position of string.
(vi)
Keep the mirror strip bilow the strings, having weights W2 and W3. Locate
the point P2, P2 and P3 P3 respectively on drawing sheet to show the position
of string.
(vii) Take out drawing sheet from board. Join points P 1 and P1, P2 and P2, P3 and
P3, Ensure that the three lines are concurrent . Line P 1P1 will represent the
line of action of force W1 and P2P2; of force W2 and P3P3 of force W3. This
will be space diagram for the first setup of reading.
(viii) Put another the drawing sheet on board. Change the values of W1 and W2 and
find corresponding value of W2. Locate the situations of strings with the help
of mirror. For doing so, mark the points on drawing sheet and draw another
space diagram.

(ix)
(x)

From the given space diagram draw vector diagrams.

Method of drawing vector diagram In the space diagram represent W 1,W2
& W3 by bows notations i.e. W1 by AB, W2 by BC & W3 by CA. Draw ab
parallel to AB to some load scale.
(xi)
Draw bc parallel to BC to the same scale. Join ac measure ac & fine force CA
(W3) which must be equal to W3. If W3 # W3 then find %error.
OBSERVATIONS TABLE :
S.No.

Weight
W1

Weight
W2

Weight
W3

The length of
ac (in cms)

Resultant of W1,
W2 by vector
diagram = W3 =
length of ac load
scale

% error =

W3 ~ W3
100
W3

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

CALCULATIONS :
W3 ~ W3
100
W3
If the string is thin and inextensible and pulleys are frictionless and lines representing
W1, W2 and W3, marked acurately in space diagram then ca must be parallel to CA.

% error =

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

W3 ~ W3
100
W3
W3 ~ W3
100
% error e2 =
W3
W3 ~ W3
100
% error e3 =
W3

% error e1 =

RESULT :
The values of resultant force (W3) obtained by calculation from force triangle
are (nearly similar to the values obtained by experiment (W 3). Hence Law of triangle
is true.
PRECATIONS:
(i)
String should be light, strong & inextensible.
(ii)
Pulleys should be friction less.
(iii)
Observations should be taken when weights are stable.

(iv)
(v)
(vi)

The hangers should not touch the board or the wall.

The string should be knot less.
The board should be fixed properly in vertical position on wall.

EXPERMENT-2
OBJECT:
To verify law of Parallelogram of forces by Gravesands Apparatus.
PRINCIPLE:
If two force acting on a body are represented, in magnitude and by the two
adjacent sides of a parallelogram, then their resultant will be represented by the
diagonal passing through point of intersection of these adjacent sides
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
Gravesand apparatus, Weights with hangers,, inextensible string, mirror strip,
drawing board pins or cello tape, drawing sheet, set of engineers scale, set squares,
pencil etc.
INTRODUCTION OF APPARATUS:
Gravesand apparatus consists of a board fitted with frictionless pulleys at its
top corners. For verifying parallelogram law of forces, two pulleys fitted at top
corners of board are required.

Fig. 1 : Force Board

PROCEDURE:
(i)
Tie three strings in a steel ring in such a way as if radiating from the centre of
the ring or tie the three strings with a fine knot.
(ii)
Hang the known weights W1,W2,&W3 at the ends of the strings.
(iii)
Fix a piece of drawing sheet on force board with the help of tape or pins.
(iv)
When the ring is in equilibrium viz. in rest position. Locate the position of
three string on drawing sheet by pencil as follows.
(v)
Put the mirror strip, below the string having W1 Weight, in such a way that
image of string may be visible in mirror. Mark two points P 1 and P1 on
drawing sheet, near two ends of mirror strip to show the position of string.
(vi)
Keep the mirror strip bilow the strings, having weights W2 and W3. Locate
the point P2, P2 and P3P3 respectively on drawing sheet to show the position of
string.
(vii) Take out drawing sheet from board. Join points P1 and P1,P2 and P2, P3 and
P3, Ensure that the three lines are concurrent . Line P 1P1 will represent the
line of action of force W1 and P2P2 of force W2 and P3P3 of force W3. This will
be space diagram for the first reading.

(viii)

Put another the drawing sheet on board. Change the values of W1 and W2 and
find corresponding value of W3. Locate the situations of strings with the help
of mirror. For doing so, mark the points on drawing sheet and draw another
space diagram.
(ix)
Draw a line oa parallel to P1P1 and equal to W1 to some scale , then draw ob
parallel to P2P2 and equal to W2 to the same scale. Complete the
parallelogram oaob.
(x)
Measure diagonal oo of trapezium oaob and find W3W3 must be equal to
W3# W3 due to instrumental or observational error then find % error.
Observations Table :
S.No.

Weight
W1

Weight
W2

Weight
W3

The length of
oo (in cms)

Resultant of W1,
W2 by vector
diagram = W3 =
length of ea load
scale

% error =

W3 ~ W3
100
W3

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Calculations :
% error =

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

W3 ~ W3
100
W3

W3 ~ W3
100
W3
W3 ~ W3
100
% error e2 =
W3
W3 ~ W3
100
% error e3 =
W3

% error e1 =

RESULT:
The value of resultant force (W3) obtained by calculation are (nearly) similar
to the value obtained by experiment(W 3). Hence Law of parallelogram of forces is
true.
PRECAUTIONS:
(i)
String should be light, strong & inextensible.
(ii)
Pulleys should be friction less.

(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)

Observations should be taken when weights are stable.

The hangers should not touch the board or the wall.
The string should be knot less.
The board should be fixed properly in vertical position on wall.

EXPERMENT-3
OBJECT:
To verify law of Polygon of forces by Gravesands Apparatus.
PRINCIPLE:
If a number of force acting simultaneously on a practicle be represented, in
magnitude and direction by the sides of a polygon taken in order, then the resultant of
all these forces may be represented, in magnitude and direction by the closing side of
the polygon taken in opposite order."
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
Gravesand apparatus, Weights with hangers,, inextensible string, mirror strip,
drawing board pins or cello tape, drawing sheet, set of engineers scale, set squares,
pencil etc.
INTRODUCTION OF APPARATUS:
Gravesand apparatus consists of a board fitted with frictionless pulleys at its
top corners. For verifying parallelogram law of forces, two pulleys fitted at top
corners of board are required.

PROCEDURE:
(i)
Tie five strings ring.
(ii)
Pass four of these strings on pulley P, Q, R, S as shown in figure. Hang the
(iii)
weights at other ends of strings. Fifth string will be attached to ring and will
not pass over any of the pulley. A weight W5 will keep it vertical.
(iv)
Behind the strings, fix a drawing sheet on board with the help of pins or cello
tape.
(v)
Hang slotted weights W1, W2, W3 and W4 on four hangers provided at the ends
of strings passing over pulley P, Q, R, S. Note these weight in observation
table.

(vi)

Adjust the weights W1, W2, W3, W4 and W5 such that ring or knot is in
equilibrium and almost in central position of the board.
(vii) Put mirror strip below each string and mark points with pencil on drawing
sheet, to show the positions of strings.
(viii) Take out drawing sheet from board. Draw lines of action of different forces,
with the help of scale and pencil.
(ix)
Change values of W1, W2, W3 and W4. Find corresponding values of resultant
W5.
(x)
Draw space diagram and vector diagram. Note the length of ea in observation
table.
(xi)
For drawing vector diagram first of all represent forces in space diagram by
Bows notation then select suitable load scale then draw ab, bc, cd, da and ea
respectively if a' coincides with a then there is no error, if a doesn't coincide
with a' then aa' is closing error.
Observations Table :
S.No.

Weight
W1 (in
gm)

Weight
W2 (in
gm)

Weight
W3 (in
gm)

Weight
W4 (in
gm)

Observed
resultant
weight
W5

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Calculations : Resultant W5 and %age error.

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

W5 ~ W5
100
W5
W5 ~ W5
100
% error e2 =
W5
W5 ~ W5
100
% error e3 =
W5

% error e1 =

Length
of ea
(in cm)

Actual
resultant
from vector
diagram =
W5 = ea
load scale

% error =

W5 ~ W5
100
W5

RESULT:
Value of resultant calculated by force polygon (W5) is (approximately) equal
to the value of resultant W5 found out by experiment. Hence the law of polygon of
forces is true.
PRECAUTIONS:
(i)
The String should be light and strong .
(ii)
Pulleys should be lubricated before starting the experiments.
(iii)
The observations should be taken, when the ring/ knot is in equilibrium.
(iv)
The hangers should not touch the surface of the board.
(v)
The string should be knotless.
(vi)
The board should be hung vertically on wall.
(vii) Before making the points on drawing sheet, to show the positions of lines of
action of forces, parallex between string and its image should be removed.
(viii) The weights on Hanger should be kept lightly.
(ix)
The weights on hanger should not exceed ce limit of strings.

Experiment 4
Object :
To verify Lami's Theorem, by Jib Crane Apparatus.
Principal :
"If three coplanor and concurrent forces, actingon a body are in static
equilibrium. Then magnitude of each force is proportional to the sine of the angle
between the other two forces.
Apparatus Required :
Jib Crane Apparatus, weight, meter scale, inextensible string.
Theory :
Jib Crane has three main parts vertical post PQ. Tie rod OQ and Jib OP. The
joint of tie and Jib rod is called crane head. A hook is provided at crane hread O, to
hang the hanger for keeping weights. There is tension in the tie rod and compression
in Jib Spring balances S, in the rod and S2 in Jib are provided.

Procedure :
(i)
Note down the weight W which is hanged by the hook of the crane head.
(ii)
Note down the initial reading of spring balance S1 of tie rod.
(iii)
Note down the initial reading of spring balance S2 of Jib.
(iv)
After hanging weight, note down the final reading of spring balance in tie rod
and Jib rod.
(v)
Note down the lenght l1 of Jib rod, after keeping weight on the hanger.
(vi)
Note down the length l2 of Jib rod, after keeping weight on the hanger.
(vii) Note down the lenght l3 of vertical post, after keeping weight on the hanger.
(viii) Find out and note down the different values of final reading of spring balances
on tie and Jib by changing weights on pan.

Observation Table :

Tie e2

% Err

Jib e1

Tie F2

Net

Tie F2
Net

Jib F1

Calcula
ted
Value
of
Force
Jib F1

Observed Value of Force

(180-3)

(180-2)

(180-1)

Sine Angle

Calculated
Value of
Angle

V Post I3

Tie l2

Jib l1

Weight (Kg)

S.No.

Length

CALCULATIONS:

= 180 - 2, = 180 - 1, = 180 - 3

2
2
2
I 12 I 22 I 32
1 I 1 I 2 I 3
cos 1
1 cos
2 I1 I 2
2I1 I 2
I 22 I 32 I 12
cos 2
2I 2 I 3

I 22 I 32 I 12
2 cos
2I 2 I 3
1

I 12 I 32 I 22
I 2 I 32 I 22
3 cos 1 1
2I1 I 3
2I1 I 3
To calculated forces, using Lami's Theorem
F1 ~ F1
F1
F
W
100 ,
2
= % error in Jib
sin sin sin
F1
F2 ~ F1
100
% error in Tie
F2
cos 3

Result :
The values of Tensile force in Tie and Comprehensive force in Jib found out
by experiment are approximately equal to the values calculated by Lami's theorem.
Hence Lami's theorem is true.

Precautions :
(i)
The weight should be placed in hanger, keeping in view the capacity of spring
balances.
(ii)
Before starting the experiment, the working of spring balances should be
checked properly.
(iii)
The length of Tie, Jib and V. Post is taken by inextensible string and then
measured with meter scale.

Experiment 5
Object :
To verify the forces in different members of a Jib Crane.
Apparatus Required :
Jib Crane Apparatus, Weights, Meter rod etc.
Principle :
The experiment is based on the "Triangle Law of Forces".
Procedure :
(i)
Note the reading of the spring balance in the tie (tension member) and the
compression balance in the Jib at the start of the experiment.
(ii)
Connect a load in the hook as shown in the figure.
(iii)
Take a reading on the spring balances of the tie and Jib and obtain the
observed values of the forces in the tie and Jib.
(iv)
Measure the length of Jib, tie and vertical post.
(v)
Select some suitable scale and draw the space diagram. Represent force in Jib
by BC and force in tie by CA.
(vi)
Draw the force (vector) diagram to some convenient load scale. For this first
draw line ab parallel to force AB and equal to load W to some scale. From 'b'
draw a line parallel to force BC (force in tie member PQ). Next from 'a' draw
line parallel to force AC (force in jib or member QR). The two lines intersect
at point c.ac represent force in jib in magnitude and bc represent force in tie in
magnitude.
To ascertain nature of force consider joint Q (crane head) look to vector
diagram. Load W represented by ab is downward so move on vector diagram from a
to b then from b to c. In space diagram put an arrow near joint B in the direction of bc.
Then move along ca in vector diagram and mark an arrow in space diagram in the
direction of ca as shown in fig. put corresponding arrows. Force AC (force in jib) is
compressive and force BC (force in tie) is tensible.

Observation :
S.No.

Length

Weight
(Kg)

Observed Value of Spring

Balance

Calculated
Value of
Force from
Vector

% Error

Remark

Diagram
Tie

Jib

V.Post

Tie
I

Jib
Net

Tie

Jib

Tie

Jib

Net

Result :
The mean values of the percentage error in the forces of jib and tie are :
% error in the force of jib =
% error in the force of tie =
Precautions :
(i)
The weight should be suspended from crane head only.
(ii)
The weight should be suspended gently.
(iii)
The two spring balances should be smooth in functioning i.e. should be
properly lubricated and be sensitive for slight variation in load.
(iv)
The length of post, tie and jib members should be measured with a fine inextensible thread.

Experiment 6
Object :
To find out the suport reactions by "Parallel Force Apparatus".
Principle :
Support reactions are the force, which are developed in vertical direction at the
ends of beam. The sum of reactions at both ends of the beam is always equal to the
sum of weights being applied on beam, and in state of equilibrium of beam, the
algebraic sum of moments of all forces, acting on beam (weights and reactions), about
any point of beam, is equal to zero.
Apparatus Required :
Simply supported beam, meter scale, two compression balances, weights and
spirit level.
Introduction of Apparatus :
A simply supported beam, is a straight beam of rectangular cross section,
supported on simple supports. This beam is placed on supports provided on
compression balances. Hooks are provided in beam, to hang the weights. Reaction
developed at both ends of the beam can be read in compression balances.

Procedure :
(i)
Keep the compression balances C1 and C2 both on plane horizontal table at
such a distance, that both ends of the beam can be placed on supports provided
on compression balances.
(ii)
Keep the beam on supports, in a horizontal position with the help of spirit
level.
(iii)
Set the pointers of both the balances at zero, with the help of screws provided
in compression balances.
(iv)
Measure the distance 'L' between supports A and B of beam with the help of
scale and note the length in observation table.
(v)
Hang weight W1 and W2 in the hooks provided in the beam. Note down these
weights in observation table.
(vi)
Measure the distance X1 of weight W1 and X2 of weight W2 from right support
B.
(vii) Note down the readings of compression balances C 1 and C2. The reading of
balance C1 will be represent the reaction RA of point A and reading of balance
C2 will represent the reaction RB at point B.
(viii) Change the values of W1 and W2 and find corresponding values of RA and RB
and note all the readings in observation table.
Observation Table :

S.No.

Magnitude
of Loads (in
Kg.)

W1

W2

Distance
of Loads
from
Right
Support
B
X1

X2

Observed
Value of
Reactions by
Compression
Balance
RA

RB

Calculated
Value of
Reactions

RA =
W1X1
+
W2X2
/L

RB =
Ext.
Loads
RA

% Error =

Cal. Re action Obs. Re action

Cal.

At support
A

At Support B

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Calculations :

Taking moment about 'B'

RA L W1X1 W2X2 = 0
W X W2 X 2
RA 1 1
L
RB = External Loads RA
Result :
Observed values of reaction should be equal to the calculated values of
reactions. If not then the error is due to instrumental error viz. Defect in springs. In
such situations calculate %age error (average).

Precautions :
(i)
The apparatus should be placed properly in horizontal plane.
(ii)
The weights should be hung lightly.
(iii)
The weights on compression balances, should be kept according to the
capacity of the balances.
(iv)
The reading of compression balances, should be taken when their pointer
become stationery.
(v)
The working of both the compression balances should be checked, before
keeping the beam on the supports provided on compression balances.

Experiment 7
Object :
To verify the BM at a section by using BM apparatus.
Materials Required :
Bending moment apparatus, weight and meter scale, spirit level.
Apparatus :
The apparatus consists of a long beam cut at C and the two portions are hinged
together as shown in Fig. 1. The beam is supported on two stands with knife edge
supports. Two clamps carrying two hooks are attached to the bottom of the beam on
either side of C. A spring balance is attached between these hooks. One of the clamp
is provided with a wing nut for adjustment of spring and balance weights are hanged
by hanger.

Procedure :
(i)
Make the beam horizontal and take the initial reading of spring balance.
(ii)
Apply weights at suitable points.
(iii)
Take final reading of spring balance.
(iv)
Take the distances of the weights from one end.
(v)
Repeat the experiment by changing the magnitudes and positions of the
weights.
Observation Table :
(i)
Beam span = ........ m
(ii)
Location of section c from LH support m :
(iii)
Location of section from RH support span x =

Net Force F (Kg)

Final

X3

X2

W1 X 1 W2 X W X
SPAN

Reading of Spring Balance

Initial

Distance of Loads
from Section C
2
3
3

X1

RL
X3

X2

X1

Distance of
Loads from
Right
Support
W3

W2

Magnitude
of Force (in
Kg.)

W1

S.No
.

Vertical
Distance of
Spring
Balance (y)
from
Longitudinal
axis of beam

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

W1 X 1 W2 X 2 W3 X 3
SPAN
Calculated BM = RLX W1X1 W2X2
The calculated values of BM is same as observed value.

Calculation : R L
Result :
Precautions :

Observed
BM = Fxy
(Kgm)

Calculated
BM = RL :
X~W1X1
W2X2

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)

The apparatus should be horizontal and it can be checked with the help of
spirit.
Large weight should not be used.
The beam should not be kept loaded for a long time.
The weights should be suspended gently from the hooks.
Before taking final reading, the beam should be slightly pressed down, so as
avoid any friction at the support.

Experiment 8
Object :
To find out the coefficient of friction () between two surfaces on a horizontal
plane.
Principle :
The ratio of limiting frictional force and normal reaction, is called coefficient
of friction.
P W2 W4
F

W W1 W3
R
Where,
W1
=
Weight of block or trolley kept on horizontal plane
W2
=
Weight of pan
W3
=
Weight, kept on trolley or block
W4
=
Weight kept on pan
Apparatus Required :
Horizontal plane apparatus, trolley or block, weight box, string or thread, pan
and spirit level.
Introduction of Apparatus :
This apparatus has a horizontal table, having a pulley on its one edge. A trolley
or block is kept on horizontal table. A hook is provided in trolley or block. A string is
tied in this is passed over pulley. A pan is attached to the second end of the string.
Weights are kept in the pan. See Figure

Procedure :
(i)
Make the table horizontal with the help of adjusting screws and spirit level.
(ii)
Find out the weight of trolley or block, made of wood-note this weight W1.
(iii)
Note down the weight W2 of pan.
(iv)
Keep the trolley or block on horizontal plane.
(v)
Tie the string, in the hook provided in the trolley or block.
(vi)
Take the string over the pulley and tie the pan in free end of the string.
(vii) Note down the material of table and trolley or block.
(viii) Keep weight W3 on the block or trolley.
(ix)
Keep weights on pan lightly and go on increasing the loads till the trolley or
block starts sliding slowly. Note down this weight W4.
(x)
Find out different values of W4 corresponding to different values of W3.
Observation :
Coefficient of friction between wood and galss

Weight of wooden block or trolley

Weight of Pan
Material of Surface of Table
Material of Block or Trolley
S.No.

Weight kept on
trolley or block =
W3

Weight kept
on pan = W4

= W1 = ..............
= W2 = ..............
= Glass
= Wood
W = W1 +
W3

P = W2 + W4

= P/W

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Calculations :
Coefficient of friction between wood and glass
W2 W 4
.......
(i)
Coefficient of friction 1
W1 W3
W2 W 4
.......
(ii)
Coefficient of friction 2
W1 W3
W 2 W4
.......
(iii)
Coefficient of friction 3
W1 W3
2 3
......
Average Coefficient of Friction 1
3
Result : Coefficient of friction between wood and glass.
Precautions :
(i)
The table should be horizontal.
(ii)
Dust, oil or water should not be there on surface of table.
(iii)
The pulley should be lubricated before starting.
(iv)
The string should be tight and strong.
(v)
The pan should be tight and strong.
(vi)
Weights on pan should be kept lightly.
(vii) Weights on pan should not exceed the endurance limit of string.
(viii) Weight on pan should be noted, when trolley or block just starts sliding
forward.

Experiment 9
Object :
To find the coefficient of friction between two surfaces on an inclined plane.
Principle :
In state of equilibrium. The ratio of limiting frictional force and normal
reaction, is called coefficient of friction.
F P W sin

R
W cos
(W2 W4 ) (W1 W3 ) sin

(W1 W3 ) cos
Where,

= Coefficient of friction

= Inclination of plane with horizontal

W1
= Weight of trolley or block kept on inclined plane
W2
= Weight of pan
W3
= Weight kept on block or trolley
W4
= Weight kept on pan
Apparatus Required :
Inclined plane apparatus, blocks or trolley made of different materials, string,
pan and weight box.
Introduction to Apparatus :
See fig. 9.1 In this apparatus there is a board of woord, fitted with glass which
can be inclined at any angle. At one edge of this board, a pulley is fitted. String is
tried to the hook attached to block or pulley. The string passes over pulley. A pan is
attached end of string. The weights are kept on pan.

Procedure :
(i)
Keep the inclined plane at some angle . should be less than angle of friction
()
(ii)
Note down the weight W1 of trolley or block made of wood.
(iii)
Note down the weight W2 of pan.
(iv)
Keep the trolley or block on inclined plane.
(v)
Tie the string in the hook provided in block or trolley.
(vi)
Take the string over the pulley and hang it freely.
(vii) Tie the pan in second end of string.
(viii) Keep weight W3 on trolley or block.

(ix)

Keep weight on pan, when trolley or block just starts motion upwards, note
down the weight kept in pan W4.
(x)
Change the values of W3 and find corresponding values of W4.
(xi)
Note down the materials of surface inclined table and trolley or block.
(xii) Repeat the experiements (ii) to (xii) for blocks of steel and copper.
Observation :
Angle of inclination of inclined plane = =
Weight of block or trolley made of woord = W1 = ...................
Weight of pan
= W2 = ...................
Material of surface of table
= Glass
Material of trolley or block
= Wood
S.No.

Weight kept on trolley or

block = W3

Weight kept on
Pan = W4

W = W1 + W3

P = W2 + W4

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Calculations :
sin
cos

= ..............................
= ............................ = ...............
= ............................ = ...............

Coefficient of friction between wood and galss =

F P W sin

R
W cos

W = W1 + W3 = ........., P = W2 + W4 = .........., W sin = ......, W cos = ......

P W sin
1
W cos
(ii)
W = W1 + W3 = ........., P = W2 + W4 = .........., W sin = ......, W cos = ......
P W sin
2
W cos
(iii)
W = W1 + W3 = ........., P = W2 + W4 = .........., W sin = ......, W cos = ......
P W sin
3
W cos
3
Average coefficient of friction 1 2
3
Result : Coefficient of friction between wood and glass = ...........
Precaution :
(i)
The inclined plane should be wiped well before starting the experiment.
(ii)
The pulley should be lubricated well before starting the experiment.
(iii)
The string should be thin and strong.
(iv)
The pan should hang independently.
(v)
Weight on pan should not be kept by jerks.
(vi)
The weight kept in pan should be noted, when the trolley or block just starts
moving on the inclined plane.
(vii) The weights on pan should be kept according to the endurance limit of string.
(i)

Experiment 10
Object :
To find the mechanical adavantage by an inclined plane apparatus.
Principle :
Mechanical advantage is the ratio of load moved on the inclined plane and
effort applied.
Load Moved

Mechanical Advantage = Effort Applied P

W1 W3 W

=
W2 W4
P
Where,
W1
= Weight of trolley or block kept on inclined plane
W2
= Weight of pan
W3
= Weight kept on block or trolley
W4
= Weight kept on pan
Apparatus Required :
Inclined plane apparatus, blocks or trolley made of different materials, string,
pan and weight box.
Introduction to Apparatus :
See fig. 9.1 In this apparatus there is a board of woord, fitted with glass which
can be inclined at any angle. At one edge of this board, a pulley is fitted. String is
tried to the hook attached to block or pulley. The string passes over pulley. A pan is
attached end of string. The weights are kept on pan.

Procedure :
(i)
Keep the inclined plane at some angle . should be less than angle of friction
()
(ii)
Note down the weight W1 of trolley or block made of wood.
(iii)
Note down the weight W2 of pan.
(iv)
Keep the trolley or block on inclined plane.
(v)
Tie the string in the hook provided in block or trolley.
(vi)
Take the string over the pulley and hang it freely.
(vii) Tie the pan in second end of string.
(viii) Keep weight W3 on trolley or block.
(ix)
Keep weight on pan, when trolley or block just starts motion upwards, note
down the weight kept in pan W4.
(x)
Change the values of W3 and find corresponding values of W4.

(xi)
Note down the materials of surface inclined table and trolley or block.
Observation :
Angle of inclination of inclined plane = =
Weight of block or trolley made of woord = W1 = ...................
Weight of pan
= W2 = ...................
Material of surface of table
= Glass
Material of trolley or block
= Wood
S.No.

Weight kept on
trolley or block = W3

Weight kept
on Pan = W4

W = W1 +
W3

P = W2 + W4

MA = W/ P

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Calculations :
MA = W/P
W = W1 + W3 = ............, P = W2 + W4 = ...............
W W3
MA 1
W2 W4
(ii)
W = W1 + W3 = ............, P = W2 + W4 = ...............
W W3
MA 1
W2 W4
(iii)
W = W1 + W3 = ............, P = W2 + W4 = ...............
W W3
MA 1
W2 W4
(i ) (ii ) (iii )
Result : Mechanical Advantage
3
Precaution :
(i)
The inclined plane should be wiped well before starting the experiment.
(ii)
The pulley should be lubricated well before starting the experiment.
(iii)
The string should be thin and strong.
(iv)
The pan should hang independently.
(v)
Weight on pan should not be kept by jerks.
(vi)
The weight kept in pan should be noted, when the trolley or block just starts
moving on the inclined plane.
(vii) The weights on pan should be kept according to the endurance limit of string.
(i)

Experiment 12
Object :
To verify the forces in different members of a pin joined simple truss.
Apparatus Required :
Meter scale, simple truss apparatus, weight and pan.
Theory :
Simple truss apparatus is a triangular apparatus fitted with three-spring
balances. One in each arm. Out of its two supports one is hinged support and other is
roller support. The spring balance fitted in struts shows compression force developed
in them. Another spring balance fitted in the horizontal member gives tensile force
due to moving of rolling support. The weight is hanged from top most joint of
support.

Procedure :
(i)
First set the apparatus by making triangle ABC equilateral. Then apply weight
at the apex.
(ii)
Due to applied load, the spring balances gives the value of internal forces in
the struts and tie. Note these values of spring balances.
(iii)
Repeat the same procedure for different loads.
Observation Table :

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Calculations :
RA = RB = W/2 (from figure 2)

W/3

CA

CA

OBC
100
Calculated
BC

BC

% Error = Cal -

AB

AB

W/3

Net

Final

CA

Initial

Initial

BC

Net

Final

Initial

AB

Calculated Value of
Force in Members

W/23

Observed Value of Force in Members

Net

Weight
(Kg)

Final

S.No.

Let force in AB is FAB and in AC is FAC

H = 0, FAB + FAC cos 60 = 0
V = 0, FAC sin 60 + W/2 = 0
W
2

2
3
W
W
=
=
(Compressive)
3
3
W

FAC

Put FAC =

in equation (i)

W
) cos 60 = 0
3
W

FAB + (FAB =

2 3

Due to symmetry

FAC = FBC =

W
3

Result : Force in different members of simple truss are verified and %age error is
shown in observation table.
Precautions :
(i)
Take the initial reading of all spring balance when no load is applied.
(ii)
Apply load at the vertex.
(iii)
Note the reading of all spring balance in inclined member as well as in the tie.
(iv)
Measure the distance between hinged and the rolling support.

Experiment 13
Object :
To find centre of gravity of different shapes of uniform thickness (Laminae)
by CG apparatus.
Apparatus :
CG apparatus, plumb bob, Laminae of uniform thickness.
Theory :
CG of a body is that point at which the total weight is assumed to be
concentrated
OR
It is that point through which resultant of the distributed gravity force passes.
The centre of area of a plain figure is termed as centroid. However, in a
broader sense, centroid of a plain figure is also termed as CG.
CG of a shape of uniform thickness can be easily found by this method. It
provides a simple technique for complicated shapes, far quicker than using calculus.
The equipment consists of a vertical board with a pin from which the flat
shape (circle, TL, semi-circle, trapezium etc.) is hung). A simple pendulum suspended
from the same pin and a line is drawn. Next the same figure is hung by other holes in
it and vertical line of pendulum is drawn in this position.
The CG of the given figure is where two or more such lines intersect.
Procedure :
(i)
First of all hang the figure on the backboard.
(ii)
Secondly, hand the plumb bob from the same pin.
(iii)
Draw a smooth line, coinciding the string.
(iv)
Flang the figure on its other edge.
(v)
Draw a line as in step (iii)
Observation :
The point of intersection of two or more vertical suspension lines meet gives
CG of that figure (Laminae).
Result : Centre of area of the figure is centroid or CG.
Precautions :
(i)
Hang the figure properly no part of it should touch the back board.
(ii)
Vertical suspension line of pendulum should be drawn smoothly.
(iii)
In the Laminae, holes should be near its edges.
(iv)
Vertical suspension line should be drawn only when the pendulum is in
stationary position.