GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Free Body Diagram Calculations

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Forces Forces and their interactions

Free Body Diagram Calculations

2:47 Resultant Force
Spec 4.5.1.4
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  • Forces acting on an object that are perpendicular can be analyzed by separating horizontal and vertical forces.
  • Perpendicular means forces are at right angles.
  • Forces are represented as vectors in diagrams.
  • Resultant force can be calculated separately in horizontal and vertical directions.
  • In vertical direction, calculation involves subtraction (FA - fb).
  • In horizontal direction, calculation involves addition and subtraction (FD + FE - fc).
  • A scale diagram can be used to represent the resultant force in a single direction.
  • In exams, resultant forces are typically found using diagrams, focusing on parallel forces.
  • If forces in opposite directions are equal, they balance out, making the resultant force in that direction zero.
  • Balanced forces result in a resultant force that has no component in the direction where forces are balanced.
  • Example provided with a boat: vertical forces (weight and up thrust) are balanced, horizontal forces (driving force and drag) are not, resulting in a net force.
  • Calculation for boat example: 1500 Newtons (driving force) minus 500 Newtons (drag) equals 1000 Newtons horizontally forward.
  • The resultant force for the boat is 1000 Newtons forward, as vertical forces are balanced and horizontal forward force is greater than the opposing force.

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