Frames & machines worksheet with answers

Free printable Frames & machines worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy
O120 N120 NQ = ?150 mm20 mm

A hand squeezes the handles of a pair of pliers with 120 N each, 150 mm from the pin O. The jaws grip a bolt 20 mm from the pin. Find the gripping force Q on the bolt.

F = 120 Na = 150 mmb = 20 mm
Q = N
2.Easy
O80 N80 NQ = ?90 mm15 mm

A hand squeezes the handles of a pair of pliers with 80 N each, 90 mm from the pin O. The jaws grip a bolt 15 mm from the pin. Find the gripping force Q on the bolt.

F = 80 Na = 90 mmb = 15 mm
Q = N
3.Medium
15 kN6 m2 m3.6 mABCK

The frame shown has pins at A, B and C; A and C are fixed to the ground 6 m apart, and B is 2 m above the ground and 3.6 m to the right of A. A vertical load of 15 kN acts on member AB at K, 0.9 m (horizontally) from A. Find the force FBC in member BC.

P = 15 kNL = 6 mH = 2 mhorizontal distance A to B = 3.6 mhorizontal distance A to K = 0.9 m
FBC = kN
4.Medium
15 kN5 m4 m0.75 mABCK

The frame shown has pins at A, B and C; A and C are fixed to the ground 5 m apart, and B is 4 m above the ground and 0.75 m to the right of A. A vertical load of 15 kN acts on member AB at K, 0.3 m (horizontally) from A. Find the force FBC in member BC.

P = 15 kNL = 5 mH = 4 mhorizontal distance A to B = 0.75 mhorizontal distance A to K = 0.3 m
FBC = kN
5.Hard
6 kN3.2 m2 m2.5 mABCDE

The A-frame shown stands on a pin at A and a roller at B, 3.2 m apart. The legs meet at the pin C, 4.5 m high, and are tied by the horizontal bar DE at 2 m. A horizontal force of 6 kN to the right acts at C. Find the tension T in the tie.

P = 6 kNAB = 3.2 mheight of C = 4.5 mheight of DE = 2 m
T = kN
6.Hard
5 kN0.5 kN5 m1 mABC

A uniform horizontal boom AB of weight 0.5 kN is pinned to a wall at A and held by a cable from its end B to the point C on the wall, 1 m above A. A load of 5 kN hangs at B. Find the tension T in the cable.

W = 5 kNWb = 0.5 kNAB = 5 mAC = 1 m
T = kN

Answer key

  1. 1. Q = 900 N
  2. 2. Q = 480 N
  3. 3. FBC = 3.515 kN
  4. 4. FBC = 1.313 kN
  5. 5. T = 5.4 kN
  6. 6. T = 26.77 kN

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.