Resolving Forces

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

  Use a vector diagram to resolve a force
• What is the purpose of using vector diagrams in this context?

  To resolve a single force into two components
• What type of students is this video intended for?

  Higher-tier students only
• What did the last video cover?

  Resultant of two forces acting at an angle
• What does a horizontal force indicate?

  All force acts in the horizontal direction
• What does a vertical force indicate?

  All force acts in the vertical direction
• What does a diagonal force indicate?

  Part of the force acts horizontally and vertically
• How are the x and y-axes represented in a vector diagram?

  By drawing faint lines on the diagram
• What must the two components of a force be?

  At right angles to each other
• How long is the vector representing a 100 Newton force at 35 degrees?

  10 centimeters
• How do you determine the horizontal and vertical components from the vector diagram?

  By drawing dotted lines to the axes
• What are the magnitudes of the horizontal and vertical components for the 100 Newton force?

  83 Newtons and 57 Newtons
• What should you do with faint lines in an exam?

  Blob out any faint lines used
• What is the question posed for the viewer to try?

  Resolve a 75 Newton force at 20 degrees
• What is the length of the horizontal component for the 75 Newton force?

  7 centimeters
• What is the length of the vertical component for the 75 Newton force?

  2.5 centimeters
• What are the steps to resolve a force using a vector diagram?

  1. Draw faint lines for horizontal and vertical axes.
  2. Measure the angle from the horizontal.
  3. Draw the vector to scale.
  4. Draw dotted lines to the axes.
  5. Measure the lengths of the components.
• What are the key components of resolving forces?

  • Horizontal component (x-direction)
  • Vertical component (y-direction)
  • Components must be at right angles
  • Use vector diagrams to visualize