Vectors &

Equilibrium.
As Physics 3

By Yasir Naseer 0314-5162342

Learning outcomes
Candidates should be able to:

(a) distinguish between scalar and vector

quantities and give examples of each.

(b) add and subtract coplanar vectors.

(c) represent a vector as two perpendicular

components.
(d) use a vector triangle to represent forces in
equilibrium.
(e) show an understanding that, when there is
no resultant force , a system is in
equilibrium.

Remember!
Sec. 1 Vectors and Scalars
Q-1 The following physical quantities can be either positive or negative.

s: displacement of a particle along a straight line θ: temperature on the Celsius scale

q: electric charge V: readings on a digital voltmeter

Which of these quantities are vectors?

A s, θ, q, V B s, q, V C θ, V D s only

Q-2 Which pair contains one vector and one scalar quantity?

A displacement : acceleration B force : kinetic energy

C momentum : velocity D power : speed

Q-3 physical quantities can be classed as vectors or as scalars. (Winter 12)

Which pair of quantities are both vectors?

A kinetic energy and elastic force B momentum and time

C velocity and electric field strength D weight and temperature

Q-4 When a force F moves its point of application through a displacement s in the direction of the
force, the work W done by the force is given by W = F s. (Summer 12)
How many vector quantities and scalar quantities does this equation contain?

A one scalar quantity and two vector quantities

B one vector quantity and two scalar quantities
C three scalar quantities
D three vector quantities

Q5 Which set of quantities is all scalar?

A acceleration, displacement, velocity B energy, mass, power

C extension, force, gravitational potential energy D weight, kinetic energy, work

Q-6 Two physical quantities P and Q are added. The sum of P and Q is R, as shown. ( Winter 13)

Which quantity could be represented by P and by Q?

A kinetic energy B power

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C speed D velocity
Q-7 A car with front-wheel drive accelerates in the direction shown. Which diagram best shows the direction of the
total force exerted by the road on the front wheels?

Q-8 A vector quantity V is resolved into two perpendicular components X and Y. The angle between V and
component X is θ. The angle between component X and the vector V is increased from 0° to 90°. How do the
magnitudes of X and Y change as the angle θ is increased in this way?

Q-9 What is the vertical component of this displacement vector? Summer 14

A 3.0 km
B 3.8 km
C 4.0 km
D 5.0 km

Q-10 The speed of an aeroplane in still air is 200 km h–1. The wind blows from the west at a speed of
85.0 km h –1. In which direction must the pilot steer the aeroplane in order to fly due north?

A 23.0° east of north

B 23.0° west of north Summer 15
C 25.2° east of north
D 25.2° west of north

Q-11 Two possible displacements of an object are represented by the vectors P and Q.

winter 12
Which vector best represents the resultant displacement (P – Q) of the object?
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*Q-12 An object has an initial velocity u. It is subjected to a constant force F for t seconds, causing a constant
acceleration a. The force is not in the same direction as the initial velocity. A vector diagram is drawn to find the
final velocity v. What is the length of side X of the vector diagram?

A F B Ft

C at D u + at

Q-13 The diagram shows two vectors X and Y.

In which vector triangle does the vector Z show the magnitude and direction of vector X–Y?

Q-14 A cyclist is travelling due south with velocity u. The wind is blowing from the north-east with
The wind has a velocity v relative to the cyclist, where v = w – u. Which vector diagram shows the magnitude
and direction of velocity v?

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 Summer 13

Q-15 A vector has magnitude R and perpendicular components P and Q, as shown in the diagram.
Which row correctly describes the perpendicular components? (Summer 12)

Q-16 A force of 5 N may be represented by two perpendicular components OY and OX as shown in the diagram,
which is not drawn to scale. OY is of magnitude 3 N. What is the magnitude of OX?

A 2N

B 3N

C 4N

D 5N

Q-17 What is the component of this displacement vector in the direction XY?

A 3.0 km B 4.0 km

C 5.0 km D 6.6 km

Q-18 The diagram shows a resultant force and its horizontal and vertical components. horizontal component is 20.0 N
4

and θ = 30°. What is the vertical component?

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 A 8.7 N

B 10.0 N

C 11.5 N

D 17.3 N

Q-19 Two forces act on a circular disc as shown.

Which diagram shows the line of action of the resultant force?

Q-20 The table shows the x-component and y-component of four force vectors. Which force vector has the largest
magnitude?

Q-21 Two forces of equal magnitude are represented by two coplanar vectors. One is directed
eastwards and the other is directed northwards. What is the direction of a single force that will balance these
two forces? (Winter 13)

A towards the north-east B towards the north-west

C towards the south-east D towards the south-west

Q-21 The arrow represents the vector R. Summer 15 -12

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Which diagram does not represent R as two perpendicular components?

Q-22 Figure 22 shows a ship being pulled along by cables attached to two tugs.

(a) The tension in each cable is 6500 N and the ship is moving at a constant speed of 1.5m/s. When is equal to 35°,
calculate the resultant force exerted on the ship by the cables,

(b) State and explain the initial effect on the ship if the angle  is reduced while the tension in the cables remains
constant.

....................................................................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................................... (3 marks)

Sec.2 Static Equlibrium

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Q-1 A pendulum bob is held stationary by a horizontal force H. The three forces acting on the bob are shown in the
diagram. The tension in the string of the pendulum is T. The weight of the pendulum bob is W. Which statement is
correct?
A H = T cos30°

B T= H sin30°

C W = T cos30°

D W = T sin30°

Q-2 Three coplanar forces, each of magnitude 10 N,

act through the same point of a body in the
directions shown. What is the magnitude of the
resultant force?
A 0N B 1.3 N

C 7.3 N D 10 N

Q-3 The vector diagram shows three coplanar forces acting on an object at P. The magnitude of the resultant of these
three forces is 1 N. What is the direction of this resultant?

Q-4 Two forces, each of 10 N, act at a point P as shown in the diagram. The angle between the directions of the
forces is 120°. What is the magnitude of the resultant force?

A 5N B 10N

C 17N D 20N

Q-5 Forces of 3 N, 4 N and 5 N act at one point on an object. The angles at which the forces act can vary.
What is the value of the minimum resultant force of these forces?
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A0 B between 0 and 2 N C 2N D between 2 N and 4 N

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Q-6 Which two vector diagrams represent forces in equilibrium?

A P and Q B Q and R C R and S D S and P

Which diagram shows the forces acting at point

Z?

Q-7 Two rigid rods, XZ and YZ, are fixed to a

vertical wall at points X and Y. A load of weight

W is hung from point Z. The load is not moving.

Q-8 The diagram shows a sign of weight 20 N suspended from a pole,

attached to a wall. The pole is kept in equilibrium by a wire attached

at point X of the pole. The force exerted by the pole at point X is F,

and the tension in the wire is 40 N. Which diagram represents the

three forces acting at point X?

Q-9 A vehicle is at rest on a slope. It is considered to have three forces acting on it to keep it in
equilibrium. They are its weight W, a normal reaction force R and a frictional force F. Which triangle of forces is
correct?
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Q-10 The diagram shows the forces acting on a picture, of weight W, suspended by a cord. The tension in the cord is T.
Which of the following expressions shows the
correct relationship between W and T?

A W = 2 T cos θ B W = T cos θ

C W = T sin θ D W = 2 T sin θ

Q-11 A picture on a wall is supported by a wire looped over a nail. The mass of the picture is 4.2 kg.
What is the tension in the supporting wire?

A 5.0 N B 23 N C 49 N D 97 N Winter -12

Q-12 The diagrams show two ways of hanging the same picture. In both cases, a string is attached to the same points
on the picture and looped symmetrically over a nail in a wall. The forces shown are those that act on the nail. In
diagram 1, the string loop is shorter than in diagram 2. Which information about the magnitude of the forces is
correct?

C R1 > R2 T1 < T 2
A R1 = R2 T1 = T 2
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B R1 = R2 T1 > T 2 D R1 < R2 T1 = T 2
Q-13 A ladder is positioned on icy (frictionless) ground and is leant against a rough wall. At the instant
of release it begins to slide. Which diagram correctly shows the directions of the forces P, W and R acting on the
ladder as it begins to slide? Summer 12

Q-14 The diagrams show the forces acting on different bodies. Which body cannot be in equilibrium?
Winter 12

Q-15 A glider is descending at constant speed at an angle of 15° to the horizontal. The diagram shows
the directions of the lift L, air resistance R and weight W acting on the glider. Which vector triangle could
represent the forces acting on the glider? Winter 14

Q-16 A cupboard is attached to a wall by a screw.Which force diagram shows the cupboard in equilibrium, with the
weight W of the cupboard, the force S that the screw exerts on the cupboard and the force R that the wall exerts
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on the cupboard? Winter 13

Q-17 A hinged trapdoor is held closed in the horizontal position by a cable. Three forces act on the trapdoor: the
weight W of the door, the tension T in the cable and the force H at the hinge.

Summer 13 (12)
Which list gives the three forces in increasing order of magnitude?

A H,T,W B T,H,W

C W,H,T D W,T,H

Q-18 A 1.2 kg mass is supported by a person’s hand and two newton-meters as shown.

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When the person’s hand is removed, what is the initial vertical acceleration of the mass?
 A 0.6 m s–2 B 2 m s–2

C 4 m s–2 D 6 m s–2 winter 12

Q-19 The object in Figure 19 is in equilibrium.

By resolving forces, calculate:
(a) the angle ;
Angle ...............................
(2 marks)

(b) the magnitude of the force F.

Magnitude of the force F .....................................

(1 mark)
Q-20 (a) Force is a vector quantity. State three other vector quantities. Winter 14(23)

1. ..............................................................................................................................................

2. ...............................................................................................................................................

3. ............................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) Three coplanar forces X, Y and Z act on an object, as shown in Fig. 20.1.

The force Z is vertical and X is horizontal. The force Y is at an angle θ to the horizontal. The force Z is kept
constant at 70 N. In an experiment, the magnitude of force X is varied. The magnitude and direction of force Y are
adjusted so that the object remains in equilibrium. Fig. 20.2 shows the variation of the magnitude of force Y with
the magnitude of force X.
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 (i) Use Fig. 20.2 to estimate the magnitude of Y for X = 0.

Y = ...................................................... N [1]

(ii) State and explain the value of θ for X = 0.

................................................................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................................[2]

(iii) (iii) The magnitude of X is increased to 160 N. Use resolution of forces to calculate the value of

1. angle θ,

θ = ........................................................ ° [2]
3. the magnitude of force Y.

Y = ...................................................... N [2]
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(c) The angle θ decreases as X increases. Explain why the object cannot be in equilibrium for θ = 0.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................................................[1]

Q-21 Two strings support a load of weight 7.5 N, as shown in Fig. winter-11

One string has a tension T1 and is at an angle 50° to the horizontal. The other string has a tension T2 and is at
an angle 40° to the horizontal. The object is in equilibrium. Determine the values of T1 and T2 by using a vector
triangle or by resolving forces.

Q-22 . State the difference between scalar and vector quantities.

...............................…......................................................................................................…

...............................…......................................................................................................…

...............................…......................................................................................................…

...............................…......................................................................................................…
(2)

A lamp is suspended from two wires as shown in the diagram. The tension in each wire is 4.5N.

Calculate the magnitude of the resultant

force exerted on the lamp by the wires.

(3)

What is the weight of the lamp? Explain your answer.

...............................…......................................................................................................…
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...............................…......................................................................................................…
 (2)
(Total 7 marks)

Q-23 Figure23 shows a heavy mirror hanging symmetrically from a nail fixed to a wall. It is supported by a strong
cord attached at two points on its top edge.

(a) Draw and clearly label three arrows on Figure

to show the forces acting on the mirror in the
vertical plane.
(3 marks)

(b) The tension in the cord is 39 N and the angle

that each end of the cord makes with the
horizontal is 40°. Calculate the vertical
component of the tension in the cord and hence
the weight of the mirror.

vertical component of the tension ............................

.weight of the mirror .............................................. (3 marks)

Q-24 Figure shows a uniform steel girder being held horizontally by a crane. Two cables are attached to
the ends of the girder and the tension in each of these cables is T.

(a) If the tension, T, in each cable is 850 N, calculate

(i) the horizontal component of the tension in each cable,

(ii) the vertical component of the tension in each cable, (iii) the weight of the girder.

(4 marks)

(b) On Figure draw an arrow to show the line of action of the weight of the girder. (1 mark)
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Q-25 Figure shows a stationary metal block hanging from the middle of a stretched wire which is suspended from a
horizontal beam. The tension in each half of the wire is 15 N.

(a) Calculate for the wire at A,

(i) the resultant horizontal component of the

tension forces,

(ii) the resultant vertical component of the

tension forces.

(b) (i) State the weight of the metal block. (3 marks)

Q-26 The diagram shows a 250 kg iron ball being used on a demolition site. The ball is suspended from a
cable at point A, and is pulled into the position shown by a rope that is kept horizontal. The tension in
the rope is 1200 N.
(a) In the position shown the ball is in equilibrium.

(i) What balances the force of the rope on the ball?

(ii) What balances the weight of the ball?

(b) Determine
(i) the magnitude of the vertical component of the tension in the cable,

(ii) the magnitude of the horizontal component of the tension in the cable,
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(iii) the magnitude of the tension in the cable,

(iv) the angle the cable makes to the vertical.

(6 marks)

Sec. 3 Inclined Plane

Q-1 A car of mass m travels at constant speed up a slope at an angle θ to the horizontal, as shown in
the diagram. Air resistance and friction provide a resistive force F. summer 12

What force is needed to propel the car at this

constant speed?

A mg cos θ B mg sin θ

C mg cos θ + F D mg sin θ + F

Q-2. The diagram shows a smooth wooden board 30 cm long. One end is raised 15 cm above the other. A 100 g
mass is placed on the board. The two forces acting on the 100 g mass are shown on the free-body force
diagram.
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 Explain with the aid of a sketch why the resultant force on the 100 g mass acts parallel to the board and
downwards.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………… (2)

Calculate the magnitude of this resultant force.

(2)

Q-3 A fairground ride ends with the car moving up a ramp at a slope of 20° to the horizontal as shown in Figure .

(a) The car carrying its maximum load of passengers has a total weight of 6.8 kN. Show that the component of the weight
acting parallel to the ramp is about 2.3 kN.
(2 marks)
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(b) The mass of the fully loaded car is 690 kg. Show that the force in part (a) will decelerate the car at about 3.3 ms.-2.
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Q-4 Figure shows a skier being pulled by rope up a hill of incline 12° at a steady speed. The total mass
of the skier is 85 kg. Two of the forces acting on the skier are already shown.

(a) Mark with arrows and label on Figure above a further two forces that are acting on the skier. (2 marks)

(b) Calculate the magnitude of the normal reaction on the skier.

Normal reaction = ................................(3 marks)

Q-5 (a) A log of mass 450 kg is pulled up a slope by a wire attached to a motor, as shown in Fig. 5

Summer 12 (Q-3)

The angle that the slope makes with the horizontal is 12°. The frictional force acting on the log is 650 N. The
log travels with constant velocity.

(i) With reference to the motion of the log, discuss whether the log is in equilibrium.

................................................................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
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(ii) Calculate the tension in the wire.

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 tension = ............................................. N [3]

(iii) State and explain whether the gain in the potential energy per unit time of the log is equal to the output
power of the motor.

................................................................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................... [2]

Test Your self

Q-1 (a) State the difference between a scalar quantity and a vector quantity.

scalar: .......................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................

vector:......................................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) State the two conditions that must be satisfied for a body to be in equilibrium.

1. ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................................................................

2. ..........................................................................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................................ [2]

(c) A weight of 7.0 N hangs vertically by two strings AB and AC, as shown in Figure below.
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For the weight to be in equilibrium, the tension in string AB is T1 and in string AC it is T2. On Fig. draw a vector triangle
to determine the magnitudes of T1 and T2.

T1 = ................................................... N T2 = ................................................... N [3]

(d) By reference to Fig. on last page, suggest why the weight could not be supported with the strings AB and AC both
horizontal.

....................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................[2]
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 Answers.
Section 1 Vectors and Scalars
Q-1 Q-2 Q-3 Q-4

Q-5 Q-6 Q-7 Q-8

Q-9 Q-10 Q-11 Q-12

Q-13 Q-14 Q-15 Q-16

Q-17 Q-18 Q-19 Q-20

Q-21 Q-22

SECTION 2

Q-1 Q-2 Q-3 Q-4

Q-5 Q-6 Q-7 Q-8

Q-9 Q-10 Q-11 Q-12

Q-13 Q-14 Q-15 Q-16

Q-17 Q-18 Q-19 Q-20

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Q-21 Q-22 Q-23 Q-24

Q-25 Q-26

SECTION 3

Q-1 Q-2 Q-3 Q-4

Q-5 Q-6

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