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
O100 N100 NQ = ?90 mm15 mm

A hand squeezes the handles of a pair of pliers with 100 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 = 100 Na = 90 mmb = 15 mm
Q = N
2.Easy
OAB80 NQ = ?180 mm60 mm

The bell crank shown turns about the pin O. A vertical force of 80 N acts at A, 180 mm from O, and is balanced by a horizontal force Q at B, 60 mm above O. Find Q.

F = 80 NOA = 180 mmOB = 60 mm
Q = N
3.Medium
8 kN6 m1.2 m2.8 mABCDE

The A-frame shown stands on a pin at A and a roller at B, 6 m apart. The legs meet at the pin C, 4 m high, and the horizontal tie DE is 1.2 m above the ground. A load of 8 kN acts at C. Find the magnitude of the force C that the pin C exerts on leg BC.

P = 8 kNAB = 6 mheight of C = 4 mheight of DE = 1.2 m
C = kN
4.Medium
20 kN3 m2.5 m0.9 mABCK

The frame shown has pins at A, B and C; A and C are fixed to the ground 3 m apart, and B is 2.5 m above the ground and 0.9 m to the right of A. A vertical load of 20 kN acts on member AB at K, 0.54 m (horizontally) from A. Find the force FBC in member BC.

P = 20 kNL = 3 mH = 2.5 mhorizontal distance A to B = 0.9 mhorizontal distance A to K = 0.54 m
FBC = kN
5.Hard
12 kN0.5 kN6 m2 mABC

A uniform horizontal boom AB of weight 0.5 kN is pinned to a wall at A and held by a cable from B to the point C on the wall, 2 m above A. A load of 12 kN hangs at B. Find the magnitude of the pin reaction A.

W = 12 kNWb = 0.5 kNAB = 6 mAC = 2 m
A = kN
6.Hard
12 kN3 kN4 m1 mABC

A uniform horizontal boom AB of weight 3 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 12 kN hangs at B. Find the tension T in the cable.

W = 12 kNWb = 3 kNAB = 4 mAC = 1 m
T = kN

Answer key

  1. 1. Q = 600 N
  2. 2. Q = 240 N
  3. 3. C = 5.862 kN
  4. 4. FBC = 4.702 kN
  5. 5. A = 36.75 kN
  6. 6. T = 55.66 kN

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