Question

Which of the following is correct?

(a) The two force members doesn’t apply the moments to the body

(b) The three force members doesn’t apply the moments to the body

(c) Only the two force members apply the moments to the body

(d) Both the three and two force members apply the moments to the body

The question was asked in a job interview.

My question is taken from Two and Three Force Members in section Equilibrium of a Rigid Body of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

Right answer is (d) Both the three and two force members apply the moments to the body

Explanation: The force members doesn’t define whether the moment will be applied or not. They are basically the forces only. Thus if there is a force applied on the body, there will be a moment produced by them. If not then probably the forces might be collinear.