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
O40 N40 NQ = ?80 mm25 mm

A hand squeezes the handles of a pair of pliers with 40 N each, 80 mm from the pin O. The jaws grip a bolt 25 mm from the pin. Find the gripping force Q on the bolt.

F = 40 Na = 80 mmb = 25 mm
Q = N
2.Easy
O150 N150 NQ = ?110 mm40 mm

A hand squeezes the handles of a pair of pliers with 150 N each, 110 mm from the pin O. The jaws grip a bolt 40 mm from the pin. Find the gripping force Q on the bolt.

F = 150 Na = 110 mmb = 40 mm
Q = N
3.Medium
OAB200 NQ300 mm150 mmFO​ = ?

The bell crank shown turns about the pin O. A vertical force of 200 N at A (300 mm from O) is balanced by a horizontal force at B (150 mm above O). Find the magnitude of the pin reaction FO.

F = 200 NOA = 300 mmOB = 150 mm
FO = N
4.Medium
15 kN4 m3 m2.4 mABCK

The frame shown has pins at A, B and C; A and C are fixed to the ground 4 m apart, and B is 3 m above the ground and 2.4 m to the right of A. A vertical load of 15 kN acts on member AB at K, 1.8 m (horizontally) from A. Find the force FBC in member BC.

P = 15 kNL = 4 mH = 3 mhorizontal distance A to B = 2.4 mhorizontal distance A to K = 1.8 m
FBC = kN
5.Hard
10 kN4 m1.2 m2.4 m1.2 mABCDEK

The A-frame shown stands on a pin at A and a roller at B, 4 m apart, with its apex pin C 3.6 m high and the horizontal tie DE 1.2 m above the ground. A vertical load of 10 kN acts on leg AC at K, 1.2 m (horizontally) from A. Find the magnitude of the force C that the pin C exerts on leg BC.

P = 10 kNAB = 4 mheight of C = 3.6 mheight of DE = 1.2 mhorizontal distance A to K = 1.2 m
C = kN
6.Hard
8 kN0.5 kN4 m4 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, 4 m above A. A load of 8 kN hangs at B. Find the tension T in the cable.

W = 8 kNWb = 0.5 kNAB = 4 mAC = 4 m
T = kN

Answer key

  1. 1. Q = 128 N
  2. 2. Q = 412.5 N
  3. 3. FO = 447.2 N
  4. 4. FBC = 7.65 kN
  5. 5. C = 3.905 kN
  6. 6. T = 11.67 kN

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