Question

Determine the reaction at points of constant 1,2 and 3. Assume smooth surfaces.

Given: The spheres are in equilibrium
To find: Reactions at points 1,2 and 3

Answer 1

Considering both the spheres as a single body
The system of two spheres is in equilibrium
Applying conditions of equilibrium:
ΣFy=0
R₁cos25 + R₃cos15 – g - 4g = 0
R₁cos25 + R₃cos15 = 5g ……(1)
ΣFx = 0
R₁sin25 - R₃sin15 = 0 …….(2)
Solving (1) and (2)
R₁= 19.75 N and R₂ = 32.2493 N …….(3)
Let the reaction force between the wo spheres be R₂ and it acts at an angle α with X-axis 
Sphere A is in equilibrium
Applying conditions of equilibrium
ΣFy=0
R₁cos25 - R₂sinα – g = 0
R₂sinα = 8.0896 ……..(4) (From 3)
ΣFx=0
R₁sin25 - R²cosα = 0
R₂cosα = 19.75sin25
R₂cosα = 8.3467 ………(5)
Squaring and adding (4) and (5)
R₂²(cos²α+sin²α) = 135.1095
R₂=11.6237 N
Dividing (4) by (5)
`(R_2sinalpha)/(R_2cosalpha)=8.0896/8.3467`
α = tan-¹(0.9692)
=44.1038^o
R₁=19.75 N (75o with positive direction of X-axis in first quadrant)
R₂=11.6237 N (44.1038o with negative direction of X-axis in third quadrant)
R₃=32.2493 N (75o with negative direction of X axis in second quadrant)