Vector Diagrams

• What should you be able to do by the end of the video?

  Use vector diagrams to calculate resultant forces
• What is the resultant force?

  A single force replacing multiple forces
• How do you represent forces in a vector diagram?

  By drawing arrows proportional to their magnitudes
• What is the first step in calculating the resultant force when forces act at an angle?

  Make a scale drawing showing the forces
• What does a free body diagram represent?

  A point showing forces acting on an object
• How do you represent a 10 Newton force in a vector diagram?

  By drawing a 10 cm long arrow
• How do you measure the angle between two forces in a vector diagram?

  Using a protractor
• What shape is created to find the resultant force in the vector diagram?

  A parallelogram
• What does the length of the resultant vector represent in Newtons?

  17.5 Newtons
• What should you do to ensure accuracy in your vector diagram during an exam?

  Draw it as accurately as possible
• What are the steps to calculate the resultant force using vector diagrams?

  1. Draw a scale diagram of the forces.
  2. Use a ruler to draw the force vectors.
  3. Measure the angle between the forces.
  4. Complete the parallelogram.
  5. Measure the resultant vector's length.
  6. Convert the length to Newtons using the scale.
• What is the significance of the resultant force in physics?

  • Represents the net effect of multiple forces
  • Determines the overall motion of an object
  • Simplifies complex force interactions into one force