Vector diagrams

• How can we represent the forces acting on the cyclist on a grid?

  • Cyclist represented as an orange dot
  • 4 cm arrow upwards for 4 newtons
  • 3 cm arrow to the right for 3 newtons
• How do we find the resultant force using scale drawings?

  Place vector arrows tip to tail
• What is the length of the resultant force in the scale drawing?

  5 centimeters
• How do we convert the length of the resultant force into newtons?

  Each centimeter equals one newton
• What is the magnitude of the resultant force calculated?

  5 newtons
• What is the bearing of the resultant force from north?

  37 degrees
• What happens when forces are balanced on an object?

  • The object is in equilibrium
  • No resultant force acting on it
• How do we find the overall force when three forces are acting on a particle?

  Arrange arrows tip to tail
• What does it mean if the arrows form a perfect triangle?

  There is zero resultant force
• What is the process of resolving vectors?

  • Split vector into horizontal and vertical components
  • Use scale drawings for representation
• What force is exerted on the toy car?

  50 newtons
• How do we represent the 50 newton force on the ramp?

  5 centimeter line at the ramp's angle
• How do we resolve the 50 newton force into components?

  Draw horizontal and vertical lines
• What are the measurements of the resolved components?

  4 centimeters and 3 centimeters
• How do we convert the resolved components into newtons?

  Use the scale of 10 newtons per centimeter
• What are the horizontal and vertical components of the 50 newton force?

  40 newtons right, 30 newtons up
• What is the overall process of resolving a force using scale drawings?

  1. Draw the force at the correct angle
  2. Draw horizontal and vertical components
  3. Measure components with a ruler
  4. Convert measurements to newtons using scale