Solved Previous Years GATE Questions on Statics
Question 1. Consider a truss PQR loaded at P with a force F as shown in the figure. The tension in the member QR is
(A) 0.5 F
(B) 0.63 F
(C) 0.73 F
(D) 0.87 F
GATE-ME-2008
Hint. 1. (Ans. B)
From these equations
Solving these equations, we get 
Question 2. A block weighing 981 N is resting on a horizontal surface. The coefficient of friction between the block and the horizontal surface is 
=0.2. A vertical cable attached to the block provides partial support as shown. A man can pull horizontally with a force of 100 N. What will be the tension, T (in N) in the cable if the man is just able to move the block to the right?
(A) 176.2
(B) 196.0
(C) 481.0
(D) 981.0
GATE-ME-2009
Hint 2. (Ans. C)
Net normal force on block 
Frictional force, 
Under equilibrium, i.e. when man is just able to move the block
Question 3. Mobility of a statically indeterminate structure is
(A) 
(B) 0
(C) 1
(D) 
GATE-ME-2010
Hint 3. (Ans.A)
With one additional constraint mobility of an indeterminate structure is -1 and its mobility decreases with increasing number of additional constraint. Hence, Mobility of indeterminate structure 
.
Question 4. A 1 kg block is resting on a surface with coefficient of friction 
=0.1. A force of 0.8 N is applied to the block as shown in the figure. The friction force is
(A) 0
(B) 0.8 N
(C) 0.98 N
(D) 1.2 N
GATE-ME-2011
Hint 4. (Ans.B)
As theoretical frictional force is more than applied force P,
Hence, F=P=0.8 N
Common data for Q 5 and Q 6:
Two steel truss member, AC and DC, each having cross sectional area of 100 mm2, are subject to a horizontal force F as shown in figure. All the joints are hinged.
GATE-ME-2012
Question 5.The maximum force F in kN that can be applied at C such that axial stress in any of the truss members DOES NOT exceed MPa is
(A) 8.17
(B) 11.17
(C) 14.14
(D) 22.30
Hint 5. (Ans. B)
Question 6. If F=1 kN, magnitude magnitude of the vertical reaction force developed at the point B in kN is
(A) 0.63
(B) 0.32
(C) 12.6
(D) 1.46
Hint 6. (Ans A)
For F=1kN
1. (B), 2. (C), 3. (A), 4. (B), 5. (B), 6. (A)