Question

The system of the collinear and the parallel force are simplified as:

(a) The simplified collinear force system gives us a net force and the parallel force system gives us a simplified force, and then we add it vectorially

(b) Such simplification is not possible

(c) The simplification is usually done by not considering the directions of the both

(d) The simplification is done by considering the rotations only

I got this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

This intriguing question comes from Method of Sections topic in division Structural Analysis of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

The correct choice is (a) The simplified collinear force system gives us a net force and the parallel force system gives us a simplified force, and then we add it vectorially

The explanation: The simplification is easy. The simplified force system gives us a net force and the parallel force system gives us a simplified force, and then we add it vectorially. Thus the vector addition at the last can be easily done and thus both can be simplified.