Resultant forces and Vector Diagrams
A series of free GCSE/IGCSE Physics Notes and Lessons.
The following diagram shows how to resolve a force. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions on resultant forces and resolving forces.
Resultant Forces
Describe what is meant by a resultant force.
How to calculate resultant forces acting parallel to each other or in a straight line.
Draw a free-body diagram to show the forces acting on an object.
Vector Diagrams
How to work out the resultant of two forces at an angle by using a vector diagram?
Examples:
- Two forces are acting on an object. One force has a magnitude of 10N and the other force has a magnitude of 8N. The angle between the two forces is 30°. Draw a vector diagram to find the resultant force.
- A force of 280N and a force of 320N are acting on an object. There is an angle of 20° between the forces. Calculate the resultant force.
Resolving Forces
How to take a single force and resolve it into two components, one in the x direction and the other in the y direction?
How to use a vector diagram to resolve a single force into two forces?
Examples:
- A 100N force is acting at an angle of 35° with the horizontal. Determine the horizontal and vertical components of this force.
- A 75N force is acting at an angle of 20° with the horizontal. Determine the horizontal and vertical components of this force.
Resolving vectors - Splitting a Force into Components
Resolving a force is about replacing a force by two forces at right angles to one another that would have the same effect as the single force. The force that replace the single force are called component of that force.
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