Question

The couple is a scalar quantity and the force is vector quantity and hence only force can be simplified in free body diagrams.

(a) The first part of the statement is false and other part is true

(b) The first part of the statement is false and other part is false too

(c) The first part of the statement is true and other part is false

(d) The first part of the statement is true and other part is true too

The question was asked by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

This interesting question is from Different Free Body Diagrams in division Equilibrium of a Rigid Body of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

Right choice is (a) The first part of the statement is false and other part is true

The explanation is: Both of them are vector quantities. And both of them can be easily simplified. If taken in the vector form then the task is even easier. Thus it is not necessary for the force or the couple to be vector only, even if the magnitude is taken, the simplification is done in the 2D.