All questions of Engineering Mechanics for Mechanical Engineering Exam

A beam is fixed at one end and is vertically supported at the other end. What is the degree of statical indeterminacy?
  • a)
    1
  • b)
    2
  • c)
    3
  • d)
    4
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

If the number of independent static equilibrium equations is not sufficient for solving all the external and internal forces in a system, then the system is said to be statically indeterminate.
Degree of static indeterminacy = Total no. of unknowns (External and internal) – Number of independent equations of equilibrium.
Now in this problem,
No. of unknowns = 4 (RAH, RAV, M and RB)
No. of independent equations of equilibrium = 3 (∑H = 0, ∑V = 0, ∑M = 0)
∴ Degree of static indeterminacy - 4 - 3 = 1

A circular disc rolls down an inclined plane, the fraction of its total energy associated with its rotation is _____
  • a)
    1/2
  • b)
    1/3
  • c)
    1/4
  • d)
    2/3
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rashi Chauhan answered
Introduction:
When a circular disc rolls down an inclined plane, it possesses both translational and rotational energy. The fraction of its total energy associated with its rotation can be determined by understanding the concept of rotational kinetic energy.

Explanation:

1. Translational Kinetic Energy:
The translational kinetic energy of the rolling disc is given by the formula:

KE_translational = 1/2 * m * v^2

where m is the mass of the disc and v is its linear velocity.

2. Rotational Kinetic Energy:
The rotational kinetic energy of the rolling disc is given by the formula:

KE_rotational = 1/2 * I * ω^2

where I is the moment of inertia of the disc and ω is its angular velocity.

3. Relationship between Linear and Angular Velocity:
For a rolling disc, the linear velocity v of its center and the angular velocity ω of its rotation are related by the equation:

v = ω * R

where R is the radius of the disc.

4. Relationship between Moment of Inertia and Mass:
The moment of inertia I of a disc of uniform density can be calculated using the formula:

I = 1/2 * m * R^2

where m is the mass of the disc and R is its radius.

5. Total Energy of the Rolling Disc:
The total energy E of the rolling disc is the sum of its translational kinetic energy and rotational kinetic energy:

E = KE_translational + KE_rotational

Substituting the equations for translational and rotational kinetic energy, we get:

E = 1/2 * m * v^2 + 1/2 * I * ω^2

Using the relationships between linear and angular velocity (v = ω * R) and moment of inertia and mass (I = 1/2 * m * R^2), we can simplify the equation as:

E = 1/2 * m * v^2 + 1/2 * (1/2 * m * R^2) * (v/R)^2

Simplifying further, we get:

E = 1/2 * m * v^2 + 1/4 * m * v^2

E = 3/4 * m * v^2

6. Fraction of Energy Associated with Rotation:
To calculate the fraction of the total energy associated with rotation, we divide the rotational kinetic energy by the total energy:

Fraction of energy associated with rotation = KE_rotational / E

Plugging in the values, we have:

Fraction of energy associated with rotation = (1/2 * I * ω^2) / (3/4 * m * v^2)

Simplifying, we get:

Fraction of energy associated with rotation = 2/3

Therefore, the correct answer is option B) 1/3.

The torque acting on a body, rotating with angular acceleration of ‘α’ is given by which of the following relation?
  • a)
    T = Iα
  • b)
    T = Iα2
  • c)
    T = I2 α
  • d)
    T = I2 α2
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

Torque and Angular Acceleration:
- Torque is the rotational equivalent of force and is defined as the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis.
- Angular acceleration (α) is the rate of change of angular velocity with respect to time.

Relation between Torque and Angular Acceleration:
- The torque acting on a body rotating with angular acceleration is directly proportional to the moment of inertia (I) of the body and the angular acceleration (α) itself.
- Mathematically, the relation is represented as T = Iα, where T is the torque, I is the moment of inertia, and α is the angular acceleration.

Explanation of the Correct Answer:
- Option 'A' (T = Iα) is the correct relation between torque and angular acceleration.
- This relation signifies that the torque acting on a body is directly proportional to the product of the moment of inertia and the angular acceleration.
- It is important to understand this relation in order to analyze the rotational motion of objects and calculate the torques involved.
Therefore, the correct relation between torque and angular acceleration is T = Iα, as stated in option 'A'. Understanding this relation is essential in the field of mechanical engineering when dealing with rotational dynamics and motion.

A person who weighs 800 N steps onto a scale that is on the floor of an elevator car. If the elevator accelerates upward at a rate of 5 m/s2, what will the scale read?
  • a)
    400 N
  • b)
    800 N
  • c)
    1000 N
  • d)
    1200 N
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Amrita Chauhan answered
The person exerts a downward force on the scale, and the scale pushes up on the person with an equal (but opposite) force, FN. Thus, the scale reading is FN, the magnitude of the normal force.
FN – FW = ma ⇒ FN – mg = ma
⇒ F= ma + mg = m (a + g) = (W/g) (a + g) = (800/10) (10 + 5)
F= 1200 N

Concurrent force system is the system when:
  • a)
    Lines of action of all forces pass through a point
  • b)
    Lines of action of all forces are parallel to each other
  • c)
    Lines of action of all forces lie along same line
  • d)
    Lines of action of all forces are not parallel to each other
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Collinear Forces: Line of action of all the forces act along the same line.
Coplanar parallel forces: All forces are parallel to each other and lie in a single plane
Coplanar concurrent forces: Line of action of all forces pass through a single point and forces lie in the same plane
Coplanar non-concurrent forces: All forces do not meet at a point, but lie in a single plane
Non-coplanar parallel forces: All the forces are parallel to each other, but not in same plane
Non-coplanar concurrent forces: All forces do not lie in the same plane, but their lines of action pass through a single point
Non-coplanar non-concurrent forces: All forces do not lie in the same plane and their lines of action do not pass through a single point

In case of principal axes of a section _____.  
  • a)
    Sum of moment of inertia is zero
  • b)
    Difference of moment of inertia is zero
  • c)
    Product of moment of inertia is zero
  • d)
    None of these
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Sagarika Dey answered
In principal axes of a section product of inertia is zero.
Product of inertia:- The moment of inertia between any two mutually perpendicular axis in the plane of area is the produce of inertia.
Product of inertia,
Ixy=∫dA.xy

A car moving with uniform acceleration cover 450 m in a 5 second interval, and covers 700 m in the next 5 second interval. The acceleration of the car is
  • a)
    7 m/s2
  • b)
    50 m/s2
  • c)
    25 m/s2
  • d)
    10 m/s2
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Vaibhav Khanna answered
Given :
Initial distance of the car (s)= 450 m .
Initial time taken (t)= 5 s .
Initial velocity of the car ( u ) = 450 m / 5 s ⇒ 90 m/s .
Final distance covered by the car = 700 m .
Final time taken by the car = 5 s .
Final velocity of the car ( v )= 700 m / 5 s ⇒ 140 m/s .
Time taken to change the velocity ( t ) = 5 s .
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity per unit time .
at t = 5 sec, s = 450 m
at t = 10 sec
s = 450 + 700 = 1150
Equation (ii) – Equation (i), we get 
a = 10 m/s ^ 2
Hence, Correct answer is D
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A 50 - kg box rests on horizontal floor for which coefficient of friction is 0.3. If the box is subjected to a horizontal towing force of 400 N, what is its velocity after 5 sec from rest? (Take g = 10 m/s2
  • a)
    40 m/s
  • b)
    30 m/s
  • c)
    27.5 m/s
  • d)
    25 m/s
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ananya Saha answered
Given data:
Mass of the box, m = 50 kg
Coefficient of friction, μ = 0.3
Towing force, F = 400 N
Acceleration due to gravity, g = 10 m/s^2
Time, t = 5 s

To find:
Velocity of the box after 5 seconds from rest

Firstly, we need to calculate the frictional force acting on the box. The frictional force can be found using the equation:

Frictional force, F_friction = μ × Normal force

The normal force acting on the box is equal to the weight of the box, which can be calculated as:

Normal force, N = mg

Where,
m = mass of the box
g = acceleration due to gravity

Substituting the values, we get:

Normal force, N = 50 kg × 10 m/s^2 = 500 N

Now, we can calculate the frictional force:

F_friction = 0.3 × 500 N = 150 N

The net force acting on the box can be found by subtracting the frictional force from the applied force:

Net force, F_net = F - F_friction

Substituting the values, we get:

F_net = 400 N - 150 N = 250 N

Next, we can calculate the acceleration of the box using Newton's second law of motion:

F_net = ma

Substituting the values, we get:

250 N = 50 kg × a

Simplifying, we get:

a = 250 N / 50 kg = 5 m/s^2

Finally, we can calculate the velocity of the box after 5 seconds using the equation of motion:

v = u + at

Where,
v = final velocity
u = initial velocity (0 m/s)
a = acceleration
t = time

Substituting the values, we get:

v = 0 + 5 m/s^2 × 5 s = 25 m/s

Therefore, the velocity of the box after 5 seconds from rest is 25 m/s, which corresponds to option D.

A 1.0 kg ball drops vertically onto the floor with a speed of 25 m/s. It rebounds with an initial speed of 10 m/s. The impulse action on the ball during contact will be
  • a)
    15 N - s
  • b)
    25 N - s
  • c)
    35 N - s
  • d)
    45 N - s
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Dipika Bose answered
Impulse and Momentum
To understand the solution to this problem, we need to have a clear understanding of impulse and momentum.

- Impulse: Impulse is the product of the force applied to an object and the time interval over which the force is applied. It can be calculated using the equation:
Impulse = Force × Time

- Momentum: Momentum is the product of an object's mass and velocity. It can be calculated using the equation:
Momentum = Mass × Velocity

- Conservation of Momentum: According to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum of a system remains constant if no external forces act on it.

Given Parameters
- Mass of the ball (m) = 1.0 kg
- Initial velocity of the ball (u) = 25 m/s
- Final velocity of the ball (v) = -10 m/s (since it rebounds in the opposite direction)

Calculating the Change in Momentum
The change in momentum of the ball can be calculated using the equation:
Change in Momentum = Final Momentum - Initial Momentum

- Initial Momentum = Mass × Initial Velocity = m × u
- Final Momentum = Mass × Final Velocity = m × v

Substituting the given values:
- Initial Momentum = 1.0 kg × 25 m/s = 25 kg·m/s
- Final Momentum = 1.0 kg × (-10 m/s) = -10 kg·m/s

- Change in Momentum = (-10 kg·m/s) - (25 kg·m/s)
Change in Momentum = -35 kg·m/s

Calculating the Impulse
The impulse on the ball during contact can be calculated by equating it to the change in momentum. Therefore:
Impulse = Change in Momentum

Substituting the value of the change in momentum:
Impulse = -35 kg·m/s

Since impulse is a vector quantity, we consider its magnitude. Therefore, the magnitude of the impulse is 35 N·s.

Answer Explanation
The correct answer is option C) 35 N·s. The impulse acting on the ball during contact is 35 N·s.

A man stands on weighing scale in a lift which carries him upwards with acceleration. The reading on the weighing scale will be
  • a)
    True weight of the man
  • b)
    Lower than the true weight
  • c)
    Greater than the true weight
  • d)
    Zero
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Aditya Patel answered
Explanation:

When a person stands on a weighing scale in a lift, the reading on the weighing scale is a measure of the normal force exerted by the person on the scale. This normal force is equal to the person's weight in the absence of any acceleration.

However, in this scenario, the lift is accelerating upwards. According to Newton's second law of motion, the net force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. In this case, the net force acting on the person is the difference between the force due to gravity (weight) and the force exerted by the scale (normal force).

Key points:
- The true weight of the person is the force due to gravity acting on the person, which is equal to the person's mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity.
- When the lift accelerates upwards, the net force acting on the person is greater than the force due to gravity alone. This is because the normal force exerted by the scale must be greater to counteract the additional force required to accelerate the person upwards.
- The reading on the weighing scale is equal to the normal force exerted by the person on the scale. Since the net force is greater than the force due to gravity, the reading on the scale will be greater than the true weight of the person.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C' - the reading on the weighing scale will be greater than the true weight of the man.

In summary, when a person stands on a weighing scale in a lift that is accelerating upwards, the reading on the scale will be greater than the true weight of the person. This is because the scale must exert a greater normal force to counteract the additional force required to accelerate the person upwards.

If tension in the cable supporting a lift moving downwards is half the tension when it is moving upwards, the acceleration of the lift is
  • a)
    g/2
  • b)
    g/3
  • c)
    g/4
  • d)
    None of these
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Pritam Jain answered
When lift is at rest: T = mg
When lift is accelerating upward: TU = mg + ma
When lift is accelerating downward: TD = mg - ma
TU = 2TD
mg + ma = 2mg - 2ma
a = g/3

Which of the following conditions do not change the effect of couple?
  • a)
    Shifting of couple to a new position in its plane
  • b)
    Shifting of couple to a parallel plane
  • c)
    Rotation of couple in its plane
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Pritam Jain answered
Two parallel forces equal in magnitude and opposite in direction and separated by a definite distance are said to form a couple.
The translatory effect of a couple on the body is zero.
The only effect of a couple is a moment and this moment is same about any point, the effect of a couple is unchanged if:
(i) The couple is rotated through any plane
(ii) The couple is shifted to any other position
(iii) The couple is replaced by another pair of forces whose rotational effect is same

A rubber ball is dropped from a height of 2 m. If there is not loss of velocity after rebounding the ball will rise to a height of
  • a)
    1 m
  • b)
    2 m
  • c)
    3 m
  • d)
    4 m
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Stuti Bajaj answered
Understanding the Problem
When a rubber ball is dropped from a height of 2 meters, it free falls under the influence of gravity. Upon hitting the ground, it rebounds back to a height determined by its initial drop height and its ability to retain energy.
Key Concepts
- Initial Height: The ball is dropped from a height of 2 meters.
- Rebound Behavior: The problem states there is no loss of velocity after rebounding, implying that the ball retains its kinetic energy perfectly.
Energy Conservation
- When the ball is dropped, it converts its potential energy (PE) at the height of 2 meters into kinetic energy (KE) as it falls.
- Upon rebounding, if there is no loss of velocity, the KE is transformed back into PE as the ball rises.
Height Calculation
- At the peak of its rebound, the ball's velocity becomes zero momentarily, and all the kinetic energy converts back to potential energy.
- Hence, if it rebounds without any energy loss, it will rise to the same height from which it was dropped.
Conclusion
- Since the ball was initially dropped from 2 meters and rebounds without losing energy, it will rise back to a height of 2 meters.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option B (2 m).
This analysis shows that the ball's rebound height is equal to its initial drop height when no energy is lost during the rebound.

A fan consumes 20 W of electric power and discharges air from a ventilated room at 0.25 kg/s. The maximum air outlet velocity is nearly 
  • a)
    4.7 m/s
  • b)
    8.7 m/s
  • c)
    10.2 m/s
  • d)
    12.7 m/s
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sagarika Dey answered
A fan is claimed to increase the velocity of air to a specified value while consuming electric power at a specified rate. The electric power input will be equal to the rate of increase of the kinetic energy of air

On a ladder resting on a smooth ground and leaning against vertical wall, the force of friction will be:
  • a)
    Away from the wall at its upper end
  • b)
    Towards the wall at its upper end
  • c)
    Upwards at its upper end
  • d)
    Downwards at its upper end
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Free body diagram of a ladder resting on a frictional surface is:
The force of friction will be upwards at its upper end and towards the wall at its lower end.
As the ground is smooth (but the wall does not), so fA = 0 and fB ≠ 0
So the force of friction will be upwards at its upper end.

Which of the following is an example of a body undergoing translational equilibrium?
  • a)
    A body at rest on a table
  • b)
    A body travelling in a circular path at a constant speed
  • c)
    A body rotating with constant angular speed about an axis
  • d)
    A body sliding down a frictionless inclined plane
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ameya Kaur answered
Example of a Body Undergoing Translational Equilibrium

Body at Rest on a Table

A body undergoing translational equilibrium is a body in which the net force acting on it is zero, and it is either at rest or moving with a constant velocity in a straight line. One example of such a body is a body at rest on a table. Let's break down the explanation into the following headings:

Definition of Translational Equilibrium

Translational equilibrium is a state in which a body is at rest or moving with a constant velocity in a straight line. It occurs when the net force acting on a body is zero.

Factors Affecting Translational Equilibrium

There are two factors that affect translational equilibrium:

- Net force acting on the body
- Frictional forces acting on the body

In order for a body to be in translational equilibrium, the net force acting on it must be zero. If there is a net force acting on the body, it will either accelerate or decelerate. Additionally, frictional forces must be taken into account. If there is friction between the body and the surface it is resting on, the force of friction will act to oppose any motion of the body.

Body at Rest on a Table

A body at rest on a table is an example of a body undergoing translational equilibrium. The net force acting on the body is zero, and the force of gravity acting downwards is balanced by the normal force of the table acting upwards. Since the body is at rest, it is not accelerating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a body undergoing translational equilibrium is a body in which the net force acting on it is zero, and it is either at rest or moving with a constant velocity in a straight line. A body at rest on a table is an example of such a body, as the net force acting on it is zero, and it is not accelerating.

A couple is formed when:
  • a)
    Two unequal and unlike parallel force acting on a body
  • b)
    Two unequal and like parallel force acting on a body
  • c)
    Two equal and unlike parallel force acting on a body
  • d)
    Two equal and like parallel force acting on a body
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Nisha Singh answered
A couple consists of two parallel forces that are equal in magnitudeopposite in sense and do not share a line of action. It does not produce any translation, only rotation. The resultant force of a couple is zero. But, the resultant of a couple is not zero; it is a pure moment.

Which of the following forces have zero value of resultant?
  • a)
    Non - concurrent forces
  • b)
    Non - coplanar forces
  • c)
    Coplanar forces
  • d)
    Equilibrium forces
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Equilibrium is the status of the body when it is subjected to a system of forces. If the resultant force is equal to zero it implies that the net effect of the system of forces is zero this represents the state of equilibrium.

The angular velocity (in radians /sec) of a body rotating at N rpm is:
  • a)
  • b)
  • c)
  • d)
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ameya Kaur answered
Rpm is just a measure of how many times a point is revolving per minute.
In a single revolution, a point rotates an angle = 2π
So, the total angle a point is rotating per minute = N x 2 π
The angular velocity is a measure of how fast it is rotating = Angle Rotated/Time Required = 2π N/60

The sum of kinetic and potential energy of a falling body _____.
  • a)
    Is constant at all points
  • b)
    Varies from point to point
  • c)
    Is maximum at starting and goes on increasing
  • d)
    Is maximum at starting and goes on decreasing
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kinetic energy  represents energy the mass possesses by virtue of its motion. Likewise, potential energy (PE=mgh) represents energy the mass possesses by virtue of its position.
E=KE+PE
E is the total energy of the mass: i.e., the sum of its kinetic and potential energies. It is clear that E is a conserved quantity: i.e., although the kinetic and potential energies of the mass vary as it falls, its total energy remains the same and one form of energy is being converted into other form of energy.

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