Photo AI
The magnitude and direction of a force can be represented by a vector - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 9
The magnitude and direction of a force can be represented by a vector. Figure 22 shows the forces acting on four identical trolleys. The arrows show the magnitude a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The magnitude and direction of a force can be represented by a vector - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Determine the Resultant Force of the Boats on the Ship
Answer
To find the resultant force exerted by the boats on the ship, we start with a vector diagram. With each rope having a tension of 20 kN at right angles, we can use the Pythagorean theorem.
- Label the Forces: Let T1 and T2 represent the tensions in the two ropes. Thus, T1 = T2 = 20 kN.
- Vector Diagram Setup: Since the ropes are at right angles to each other, we can form a right triangle with T1 and T2 as the two perpendicular sides.
- Calculate the Resultant Force (R): R can be calculated as:
- Conclusion: The magnitude of the resultant force exerted on the ship by the two boats is approximately 28.28 kN.
Step 2
Explain the Forces Acting on the Wooden Block
Answer
To maintain the wooden block's constant horizontal velocity across the table, several forces interact:
-
Horizontal Forces:
- The tension in the string pulling the block is a horizontal force acting on it.
- There is friction between the block and the table opposing its motion.
- The force due to friction is equal and opposite to the tension in the string, thus preventing any acceleration.
- Because these forces are balanced, the block moves at a constant velocity.
-
Vertical Forces:
- The weight of the block acts downward due to gravity, while the normal force from the table acts upward.
- These two vertical forces are equal and opposite.
- Since the block is moving at a constant horizontal velocity, there are no unbalanced vertical forces affecting its motion.
Given these forces, the key to the constant motion of the wooden block lies in the balance of the forces acting on it.