Activity 2 forces
1
Two forces act on an object. The first is a horizontal 50 N force. The
second is a 40 N force acting at an angle to the horizontal.
1.1 Use a graphical method drawn to a scale of 1 mm: 1 N to find the
resultant if the 40 N force is inclined at:
1.1.1 30° to the horizontal
1.1.2 60° to the horizontal.
.2 Compare the resultant forces and make a generalisation after answering
the following question. Does the magnitude of the resultant of two
vectors increase, stay the same or decrease when the angle between the
vectors increases?
3 Consider and then state the angle (in degrees) between two vectors for
which the magnitude of their resultant is:
1.3.1 smallest
1.3.2 largest
Figures 4 and 5 show forces that act in the
vertical plane on an object.
Determine the resultant of the forces in each
diagram by means of a graphical method.
up
56:30°5N
1​