Final answer:
The question involves determining the force in truss member GK using principles of static equilibrium and requires drawing a free-body diagram and applying equilibrium equations to solve for the force
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to determining the force in member GK of a symmetrical truss. The subject involves principles of static equilibrium in engineering mechanics, where a truss can be analyzed through the method of joints or sections. In addressing such a problem, the free-body diagram is critical to identify all forces acting on the member and the application of equilibrium equations is necessary to solve for the unknown forces.
There are typically three steps involved in solving for the forces in truss members:
- Draw the free-body diagram of the truss or the section of interest.
- Apply the equations of equilibrium, namely ∑Fx=0, ∑Fy=0, and ∑Mz=0 (sum of forces in the x and y directions and sum of moments about the z-axis should be zero).
- Solve these equations to find the unknown forces in the truss members.
Depending on the complexity of the truss and the loads applied, different members will have different forces, which could be tensile or compressive in nature.