Non-Concurrent Coplanar Forces Finding the Equilibrant for a 4 Force System, Engineering Mechanics

Welcome to Video 4 in the Engineering Mechanics / Engineering Science series!
In this tutorial, we move beyond concurrent forces and explore a non-concurrent coplanar force system. You are given the magnitude and direction of four separate forces that do not act at the same point, and your task is to determine the force required to establish equilibrium.

This lesson shows you step-by-step how to analyze and solve a 4-force non-concurrent system, including resolving forces, calculating components, determining the resultant, and finally identifying the equilibrant force needed to balance the system.

Perfect for students preparing for CXC, CAPE, Engineering Science, Applied Science, Technical Drawing, and early university-level Mechanics courses.

🔹 In This Video You’ll Learn

✔ What a non-concurrent coplanar force system is
✔ How to resolve forces into components
✔ How to calculate the resultant of a multi-force system
✔ How to determine the equilibrant force
✔ How equilibrium conditions apply when forces do NOT meet at a point
✔ How this type of problem appears in exams
✔ Tips to avoid common mistakes in vector resolution and sign conventions

🔹 Why This Lesson Matters

Non-concurrent force systems appear in:
CXC and CAPE Engineering Science exams
BMED technical education coursework

First-year engineering mechanics

Real-world load analysis (trusses, frames, structures)

Understanding how to evaluate forces that act at different locations is essential to mastering Mechanics.