Resolving forces

• What is the purpose of using a vector diagram in this context?

  To resolve a single force into two components
• What did the last video cover regarding vector diagrams?

  Resultant of two forces acting at an angle
• What does resolving a force into two components mean?

  Breaking a force into horizontal and vertical parts
• What direction does a horizontal force act?

  In the horizontal direction
• What direction does a vertical force act?

  In the vertical direction
• What does a diagonal force imply about its components?

  It has both horizontal and vertical components
• What do the x and y-axes represent in a vector diagram?

  Horizontal and vertical components of the force
• What must the two components of a resolved force be?

  At right angles to each other
• How can you determine the magnitude of the components of a force?

  By drawing a vector diagram to scale
• What scale is used in the vector diagram for the 100 Newton force?

  1 centimeter equals 10 Newtons
• What do you do after drawing the vector for the force?

  Draw dotted lines to the axes
• How do you draw the vector for the 100 Newton force?

  Using a ruler to draw a length of 10 centimeters
• What should you do with faint lines in the exam?

  Blob out any faint lines used
• What should you do after drawing the vector for the 75 Newton force?

  Draw dotted lines to the axes
• What are the key components of a vector diagram for resolving forces?

  • Horizontal component (x-direction)
  • Vertical component (y-direction)
  • Right angles between components
  • Scale for measuring forces
• What is the process for resolving a single force into two components?

  1. Draw a vector diagram to scale.
  2. Identify the angle of the force.
  3. Draw the force vector.
  4. Draw dotted lines to the axes.
  5. Measure the lengths of the components.
  6. Convert lengths to magnitudes in Newtons.