Principle of transmissibility of forces According to the principle of transmissibility, when a force acts upon a rigid body, its external effect (on overall equilibrium and motion) is:

Mechanical Engineering Engineering Mechanics Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    same at every point on its line of action
  • B
    different at different points on its line of action
  • C
    minimum if it acts at the centre of gravity of the body
  • D
    maximum if it acts at the centre of gravity of the body
  • E
    zero if shifted to any parallel line

Answer

Correct Answer: same at every point on its line of action

Explanation

Introduction / Context:The principle of transmissibility simplifies force systems in rigid-body mechanics. It allows engineers to shift a force along its line of action without changing the body's external effects.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The body is treated as rigid (no deformation effects considered).
  • We consider only external effects such as overall equilibrium and motion, not internal stress distribution.

Concept / Approach:The principle states: a force may be applied at any point along its line of action to a rigid body and will produce the same external effect. Internal stresses can differ, but the net force and moment about any point remain unchanged.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify the statement that preserves net force and net moment of the force system.Shifting the point of application along the same line of action does not create an additional couple.Hence, the correct description is 'same at every point on its line of action'.

Verification / Alternative check:Compute moments about any reference: moving the force along its own line keeps the perpendicular distance to that line the same, so resultant moment contributions are unchanged.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Different at different points: Contradicts the principle for rigid bodies.
  • Minimum/Maximum at CG: Not a general rule; effect depends on line of action, not simply proximity to CG.
  • Zero on a parallel line: Shifting to a parallel but distinct line requires an added couple (equivalent force–couple system), changing external effects.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing internal stresses (which do change) with external effects (which do not, for a rigid body).

Final Answer:same at every point on its line of action

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