Final answer:
To determine the force in member CD and whether it is in tension or compression, one would need to analyze the forces in equilibrium on the structure. No specific calculation can be provided without a diagram or additional context.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the force in member CD and state whether this member is in tension or compression, we typically employ methods from statics, a branch of Physics dealing with forces in equilibrium. Without additional context or a diagram, we cannot calculate the specific force. However, we can understand the principles that govern whether a member is in tension or compression.
Tension and compression are terms used to describe the types of stress and strain experienced by a structural element when forces are applied to it. If the member is being pulled apart, it is experiencing tension, and if it is being pushed together, it is in compression. When analyzing a structure, tension would mean that the length of CD is increasing, whereas compression means it is decreasing. Additionally, the equilibrium condition states that the net force must be zero; thus, any forces applied to member CD must be counterbalanced by other forces in the system.