What is the correct statement of Varignon's theorem?

In summary, Varignon's theorem states that the moment of a system of forces about any point is equal to the moment of the resultant force about the same point. It also indicates that the sum of the moments of the individual forces about that point is equal to the moment of the resultant force, providing a useful method for analyzing the equilibrium of a body under multiple forces.
  • #1
Hak
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What is the correct statement of Varignon's theorem?
On the net I find some discrepancies between the various statements: in some cases the vectors of the system referred to by the theorem must be applied at the same point or such that their lines of action pass through the same point, in other cases the vectors are generic; in some cases the theorem concerns the equality of momentum vectors, in other cases it concerns the equality of the magnitudes of the momentum vectors only...
I'm a bit confused. Thank you very much for any reply.
 
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  • #2
Hak said:
What is the correct statement of Varignon's theorem?
On the net I find some discrepancies between the various statements: in some cases the vectors of the system referred to by the theorem must be applied at the same point or such that their lines of action pass through the same point, in other cases the vectors are generic; in some cases the theorem concerns the equality of momentum vectors, in other cases it concerns the equality of the magnitudes of the momentum vectors only...
I'm a bit confused. Thank you very much for any reply.

I understand your confusion, because all are 'sort of' correct.

The theorem states essentially that the moment sum of 2 or more concurrent and coplanar forces (that is, acting in the same plane and meeting or tending (line of action) to meet at a point) is equal to the moment of the resultant of those forces about that point.

If the force vectors are not concurrent, but rather, parallel, then the theorem still applies, however, the resultant (non zero) of the parallel forces changes the location of that resultant, which can be calculated using the theorem, but that is a circular argument.

You then mention 'momentum vector' but you meant to say 'moment vector', the direction of which is out of plane using the right hand rule. The sum of each of the force moments about a point is equal to the resultant moment vector about that point. Now since moment vectors are often considered as plus or minus depending on if they are clockwise or counterclockwise, you might say that the magnitudes are equal, but that is a bit weak since moments are vectors.

The theorem can be extended to three dimensions, but then you are talking moments about an axis instead of a point.


 
  • #3
PhanthomJay said:
I understand your confusion, because all are 'sort of' correct.

The theorem states essentially that the moment sum of 2 or more concurrent and coplanar forces (that is, acting in the same plane and meeting or tending (line of action) to meet at a point) is equal to the moment of the resultant of those forces about that point.

If the force vectors are not concurrent, but rather, parallel, then the theorem still applies, however, the resultant (non zero) of the parallel forces changes the location of that resultant, which can be calculated using the theorem, but that is a circular argument.

You then mention 'momentum vector' but you meant to say 'moment vector', the direction of which is out of plane using the right hand rule. The sum of each of the force moments about a point is equal to the resultant moment vector about that point. Now since moment vectors are often considered as plus or minus depending on if they are clockwise or counterclockwise, you might say that the magnitudes are equal, but that is a bit weak since moments are vectors.

The theorem can be extended to three dimensions, but then you are talking moments about an axis instead of a point.
Thank you very much.
 
  • #4
You’re welcome👍
 
  • #5
Copied from:
https://www.uobabylon.edu.iq/eprints/publication_12_18868_684.pdf
Varignon's theorem.jpg
Parallel vectors.jpg

Varignon's theorem.jpg


Parallel vectors.jpg
 

FAQ: What is the correct statement of Varignon's theorem?

What is the correct statement of Varignon's theorem?

Varignon's theorem states that the moment of a force about any point is equal to the sum of the moments of the components of the force about the same point. This theorem is often used in statics and mechanics to simplify the calculation of moments.

How is Varignon's theorem applied in physics and engineering?

In physics and engineering, Varignon's theorem is applied to simplify the analysis of forces acting on a body. By breaking a force into its components, engineers and physicists can easily calculate the moments due to each component and sum them to find the total moment, rather than dealing with the original force directly.

Can Varignon's theorem be used in three-dimensional problems?

Yes, Varignon's theorem can be extended to three-dimensional problems. The principle remains the same: the moment of a force about a point is equal to the sum of the moments of its components about the same point, regardless of the dimensionality of the problem.

What are the practical benefits of using Varignon's theorem?

The practical benefits of using Varignon's theorem include simplifying complex calculations, reducing the potential for errors, and providing a clear method for decomposing forces into simpler components. This can be particularly useful in structural analysis, mechanical design, and other fields where precise force calculations are critical.

Are there any limitations or conditions for Varignon's theorem to hold true?

Varignon's theorem holds true under the assumption that the forces are acting on a rigid body and the point about which moments are calculated is fixed. If these conditions are not met, the theorem may not be applicable. Additionally, the forces should be coplanar when dealing with two-dimensional problems.

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