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3.3.5 Addition of forces and resultants (A-level only)

Why can forces not usually be added by adding only their magnitudes?

A

Force is a vector, so direction must be included.

B

a=(35) m s−2\mathbf{a}=\begin{pmatrix}3\\5\end{pmatrix}\text{ m s}^{-2}a=(35​) m s−2.

C

20cos⁡30∘=103 N20\cos30^\circ=10\sqrt{3}\text{ N}20cos30∘=103​ N.

D

For a force FFF acting at angle θ\thetaθ above the horizontal, Fx=F_x=Fx​= Fcos⁡θF\cos\thetaFcosθ and Fy=F_y=Fy​= Fsin⁡θ\boxed{F\sin\theta}Fsinθ​.

3.3.5 Addition of forces and resultants (A-level only) Flashcards

  1. A Level
  2. /Maths
  3. /3.3.5 Addition of forces and resultants (A-level only)

Flashcards for AQA A Level Maths 3.3.5 Addition of forces and resultants (A-level only), covering the key formulae, methods and definitions you need to recall for Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3. 21 cards, matched to the AQA A Level Maths (7357) specification. Recall questions account for roughly 50% of marks at A Level Maths, so these target the marks you can secure before the paper starts.