Distributed loads are forces spread over length, area, or volume. Real-world loads include building materials and natural forces. Uniformly distributed loads have constant value everywhere
Free-body diagram shows physical forces acting on an object. Diagrams include both external (gravity, friction) and internal forces. Used by physicists to simplify complex motion problems
Tension is a pulling force exerted by ropes or cords. It results from interatomic electric forces between bonded atoms. Tension acts in the direction of the rope. Each attached object experiences the same tension force
FBD shows all forces acting on an object without external environment. Allows analyzing objects in isolation without distractions
Textbook divided into 11 chapters covering particle dynamics and rigid body motion. Each chapter begins with illustration demonstrating broad-range application. Text organized into sections with boldface titles for clear concept presentation
Fifth edition published by McGraw-Hill in 2009. Written by Beer and Johnston at Lehigh and University of Connecticut. Designed for sophomore/junior engineering students