Forces and motion 1 : Resolving forces

Question 1

Define resolving forces

Answer 1

splitting a force up into 2 perpendicular components e.g. horizontally and vertically

Question 2

Define resultant force

Answer 2

a single force which has the same effect as the combination of the individual forces

Question 3

Describe forces in equilibrium

Answer 3

• if a system of forces is in equilibrium, then the resultant force must be zero
• a particle which is at rest is in equilibrium

Question 4

Describe the method for resolving forces

Answer 4

1. draw the force, magnitude F
2. mark on your x and y axes
3. mark on one angle, θ, which you know
4. make your vector into a right-angled triangle
5. the component adjacent to the angle is Fcosθ and the other is Fsinθ