Chapter 1: Force and Motion II

1.1 RESULTANT FORCE

1. Force is vector quantity which has magnitude and direction.

2. A vector quantity can be represented by a long line which shows the
magnitude of the force and an arrow head on it which shows the
direction of the force.

10 N 10 N Arrow shows
the direction of
or vector
60o 60o

Diagram 1.1 Vector diagram

3. The force obtained from the addition of two or more forces is called
the resultant force.
4. Resultant force is the single force that represents the vector sum of two
or more forces acting on an object.
5. The addition of vector quantities such as forces must take both the
direction and magnitude.
Determining the resultant forces
❖ Situation involving two parallel forces

Situation Resultant force, F

FA = FB
Resultant force is zero
FA = 7 N FB = 7 N
F = FA + FB = (-7N) + (+7N) = 0
N
Object in stationary
FA < FB

FA = 4 N FB = 7 N Resultant force is to the right

F = FA + FB = (-4N) + (+7N) =
+3 N
Object moves to the right
FA > FB
Resultant force is to the left
FA = 7 N FB = 4 N
F = FA + FB = (-7N) + (+4N) = -3
N
Object moves to the left

FA = FB
FA = 7 N
Resultant force is zero
F = FA + FB = (-7N) + (+7N) = 0
N
FB = 7 N Object in stationary
 FA = 7 N
FA > FB
Resultant force is upward
F = FA + FB = (+7N) + (-4N) = +3 N

Object moves upward

FB = 4 N

FA = 4 N
FA < FB
Resultant force is downward
F = FA + FB = (+4N) + (-7N) = -3 N
Object moves downward
FB = 7 N

❖ Situation involving two perpendicular forces

Example: Determine the resultant force produce from the addition two
forces below.

30 N

40 N

Diagram 1.2
Solution:
Draw a right triangle or calculate by using Theorem Pythagoras method.

1. Complete the diagram with the

sides representing the two forces
30 N
that are perpendicular to each
other.
40 N

2. Draw the diagonal of the

rectangle that represents the
resultant force, F of the two 30 N F

forces.
40 N

3. Calculate the length of the F = √302 + 402

diagonal using Pythagoras’ F = 50 N
Theorem.

4. Calculate the angle between

the diagonal and one of the
sides of the rectangle. 30 N
θ
40 N

30
tan θ =
40
θ = tan−1 (0.75)
θ = 36.9°
Answer
F = 50 N
θ = 36.9° 30 N
θ
40 N

❖ Situation involving two forces not in perpendicular

1. There are two methods how to produce resultant force from two forces
which is not perpendicular.

Example: Determine the resultant force as shown in diagram below by

using triangle forces and parallelogram of forces method.

F1 = 4N

45o

F2 = 3N

Diagram 1.3
 Triangle forces method
Determine the suitable scale to Scale; 1 N = 1 cm
represent the magnitude of the
forces.

Draw forces F1 and F2 in the

direction acting to each other. (F1 is
connected to the head of vector F1 = 4cm
45o
F2). Use the correct length and
angle. F2 = 3cm

Draw a line that join F1 and F2 (from

tail of F1 to head of F2), then label F
the line as resultant force, F. F1 = 4cm

θ 45o

F2 = 3cm

Measure the length and magnitude F = 6.5 N

of resultant force, F and angle, θ by θ = 25.89o
using ruler and protractor.
 Parallelogram Forces Method
Determine the suitable scale to Scale; 1 N = 1 cm
represent the magnitude of the
forces.
Draw F1 and F2 as shown in question.
Use the correct length and angle.
F1 = 4N

45o

F2 = 3N
Construct parallelogram. Draw F1
and F2 which is opposite to original
forces. F1 = 4N F
Join a line from from tail of F1 to the
θ
head of F2.
F2 = 3N

Measure the length and magnitude F = 6.5 N

of resultant force, F and angle, θ by θ = 25.89o
using ruler and protractor.
Resultant Force on an Object in Various States of Motion

1. A free body diagram of an object is a diagram that shows all the forces
acting on that object only.
2. The diagram below shows the forces acting on an object in different
situation and motion.

Diagram 1.4 Free body diagram of a

book on a table
Diagram 1.5 Free body diagram

W = Weight on book of a block on an inclined plane

R = Normal reaction from the table

W = Weight on block
R = Normal reaction from the
inclined plane
N = Normal reaction from the
wedge
 Diagram 1.6 Free body diagram of a moving trailer

Diagram 1.7 Free body diagram of a moving rocket

3. Newton’s Second Law of Motion (refer chapter 2 Form 4) can be

expressed as F = ma.
4. If there are different types of forces acting on an object, F can be
represents the resultant force on the object.
Object in a stationary state

⚫ Velocity, v = 0 ms-1
⚫ Acceleration, a = 0 ms-2
⚫ Resultant force, F = 0 N

Weight of car, W = Normal reaction, R

Object moving with a uniform
velocity

⚫ Velocity, v constant
⚫ Acceleration, a = 0 ms-2
⚫ Resultant force, F = 0 N

Weight of car, W = Normal reaction, R

Engine thrust, T = Frictional force, FR

Object moving with a uniform

acceleration
⚫ Velocity, v increasing Weight of car, W = Normal reaction, R

⚫ Acceleration, a ≠ 0 ms-2 Engine thrust, T > Frictional force, FR

⚫ Resultant force, F ≠ 0 N Resultant force, F = T - FR

Diagram 1.8 Force acting on different states of motion of school bus.

Object at fixed height with

constant velocity

⚫ Velocity, v constant
⚫ Acceleration, a = 0 ms-2
⚫ Resultant force, F
Fx = 0 N
Fy = 0 N Engine thrust, T = Drag force, D
Weight of airplane, W = Lift force, L
Object moving with constant
velocity and increasing height

⚫ Velocity, v constant
⚫ Acceleration, a = 0 ms-2
⚫ Resultant force,
Fx = 0 N
Fy = L - W
Engine thrust, T = Drag force, D
Weight of airplane, W < Lift force, L
Object moving with constant
velocity and decreasing
height

⚫ Velocity, v increasing
⚫ Acceleration, a ≠ 0 ms-2
⚫ Resultant force, F
Fx = 0 N
Engine thrust, T = Drag force, D
Fy = W - L
Weight of airplane, W > Lift force, L

Object moving with constant

acceleration and fixed height

⚫ Velocity, v increasing
⚫ Acceleration, a ≠ 0 ms-2
⚫ Resultant force, F
Fx = T - D
Fy = 0 N

Engine thrust, T > Drag force, D

Weight of airplane, W = Lift force, L
Diagram 1.9 Force acting on an object in different states of motion of an
airplane.
❖ Apparent weight in a lift
If the lift in stationary Resultant force, F = R – W
R–W=0
R=W
R = mg

If the lift moves upward with Resultant force, F = R – mg

acceleration, a R – W = ma
R = mg + ma
R = m(g + a)

Weighing scale reading > real

weight
Direction of resultant force =
direction of acceleration
(upward)
If the lift moves downward with Resultant force, F = W – R
acceleration, a W – R = ma
R= W – ma
R = mg - ma
R = m(g – a)

Weighing scale reading < real

weight
Direction of resultant force =
direction of acceleration
(downward)
❖ Pulleys
If m1 = m2,

when the system in stationary

W1 = W2
m₁g = m₂g

If m1 > m2

The load A moves downward with

acceleration, a ms-2
The load B will move upward with
acceleration, a ms-2

m1g Resultant force in A,

F = ma , W > T
F = m₁g – T
m₁g – T = m₁a

Resultant force in B,
F = ma , W < T
F = T – m2 g
T – m2g = m2a
Solving Problem Involving Resultant Force

Example 1: A horse pulls a wagon weighing 720 kg with a force of 600 N.

A boy helps the horse by pushing the wagon from behind with a force of
250 N.

Diagram 1.10
i. Calculate the resultant force?

ii. Calculate the acceleration of the wagon.

Solution:

i. F = 600 N + 250 N = 850 N

ii. F = ma
850 = (720) a
a = 1.18 ms-2
Example 2: A boy of mass 18 kg stand on a weighing scale in a lift. What is
the weight of the boy when the lift

Diagram 1.11
i. Moves upwards with an acceleration of 2.0 ms-2
ii. Moves downwards with an acceleration of 4.0 ms-2
iii. Moves downwards with constant velocity.

Solution:
i. R - W = ma
R=m(g+a)
R = 18 (10 + 2) = 216 N

ii. W - R = ma
R=m(g-a)
R = 18 (10 - 4) = 108 N

iii. R = W
R = 18 (10) = 180 N
Example 3: Determine the acceleration and tension of the string in the
following system.
[Given g = 10 N kg-1]

m1 = 3 kg

m2 = 5 kg

Diagram 1.12
Solution:

T - m 1 g = m1 a m2g - T = ma
T - 3(10) = 3a 5(10) -T = 5a
T = 30 + 3a ------ (1) T = 50 - 5a ------ (2)

Substitute ---(1) into ---(2)

30 + 3a = 50 - 5a
8a = 20
a = 2.5 ms-2

Substitute a = 2.5 ms-2 into ---(1)

T = 30 + 3(2.5) = 37.5 N
1.2 RESOLUTION OF FORCES

1. Two vectors can be added to become one resultant force.

2. Hence a single vector can resolve into two perpendicular components.
3. This is called the resolution of forces.
4. Resolution of forces is the process of resolving a force into two
component.
5. Figure 1.13 shows a force, F (200 N) acting on a small trolley at an
angle, θ (50o) above the horizontal plane.

Figure 1.13 Force, F acting on a small trolley

6. The resolution of forces, F in two component can be determined by

the following steps.
Draw the horizontal component, Fx
and the vertical component, Fy.
F = 200 N
Fy

50o
Fx

Calculate the magnitude of

components by using trigonometric
F = 200 N
formula,
Fy
50o
𝐹𝑦
sin 50° = Fx
200
𝐹𝑦 = 200 sin 50° = 153.21 𝑁
Horizontal component, 𝐹𝑥 = 128.56 N
Vertical component, 𝐹𝑦 = 153.21 N
𝐹𝑥
cos 50° =
200
𝐹𝑥 = 200 cos 50° = 128.56 𝑁
Solving Problem Involving Resolution of Force

Rajah 1.14
Example: Mr. Lim pushes lawn mower with force, F = 100 N with angle θ=
60o. Determine the value of components Fx and Fy.

Solution:

F = 100 N
Fy
60o
Fx

𝐹𝑦
sin 60° =
100
𝐹𝑦 = 100 sin 60° = 86.6 𝑁

𝐹𝑥
cos 60° =
100
𝐹𝑥 = 100 cos 60° = 50 𝑁
1.3 FORCES IN EQUILIBRIUM

1. An object is in the equilibrium if the resultant of all the forces was equal
in all direction. This means the resultant force is zero.
2. When an object is in equilibrium, the object is;
a. Stationary and
b. moves with uniform velocity

❖ When object is stationary

Object in stationary
R=W

Object in stationary
The weight of the object, W acting
downwards is balances by the
tension, T of the string.

T=W
 Object in stationary
The weight of the object, W acting
downwards is balances by the
tension, T of the string.

Vector diagram

3 forces in equilibrium

10 N
10 N
8N 6N

6N
8N

Vector diagram
Object is stationary along an inclined plane
Resultant forces perpendicular to
the inclined plane = 0

R – mg cos θ = 0
R = mg cos θ

Resultant forces parallel to the

inclined plane = 0

F1 – mg sin θ = 0
F1 = mg sin θ

Where F1 = frictional force

❖ When object moves with uniform velocity

Object moves with constant

velocity

The frictional force, FR is balanced

by engine thrust, F which acts in
opposite direction so that the
resultant force is zero.

Aeroplane fly with constant velocity

and fixed height

The thrust, T is balanced up by air

resistance.
The weight, W is balanced by lifting
force, U.
Solving Problem Involving Forces in Equilibrium Forces

❖ Method 1: Resolution of forces

Example: Find the value of forces P and Q in the following system, if the
systems are in equilibrium.

120o 10 N

Figure 1.14

Solution
1. Draw vector diagram.

P Q
o
30

10 N

2. Use trigonometric formula.

10 Q
cos 30o = sin 30o =
P P
10 Q = 11.55 sin 30o = 5.78 N
P = = 11.55 N
cos 30o
❖ Method 2: Scale drawing of the triangle of forces

⃗ and 𝑅⃗ act on a particle as shown in the

Example: Three forces 𝑃⃗, 𝑄
following diagram. If the three forces in equilibrium, find the magnitude
and direction of the force 𝑅⃗.

𝑅⃗

θ 𝑃⃗ = 6 N

⃗ =8N
𝑄

Figure 1.15

Solution

Using scale; 1 cm = 2 N

𝑃⃗ = 3 cm

53.1o
⃗ = 4 cm
𝑄
𝑅⃗ = 5 cm

Magnitude of force 𝑅⃗ = 5 × 2 N = 10 N

Direction of force 𝑅⃗ = 53.1o with the horizontal.

❖ Method 3: Using sine and cosine rule

Sine rule;
𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
= =
c 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑐
B
a A Cosine rule;
𝑎2 = 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴
C b
𝑏 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑎𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐵
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 2𝑎𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐶

Example : A load of 100 N is suspended using strings as shown in diagram

below. What is the tension of the string, T, if the load is in equilibrium.

40o 40o
T T

W = 100 N

Figure 1.16
Solution:
T
Using sine rule; 50o
𝑇 100 W = 100 N 80o
=
𝑠𝑖𝑛 50𝑜 𝑠𝑖𝑛 80𝑜
50o
T

𝑇 = 77.79 𝑁

Using cosine rule: T

𝑊 2 = 𝑇 2 + 𝑇 2 − 2𝑇𝑇 𝑐𝑜𝑠 800
W = 100 N 80o
1002 = 𝑇 2 + 𝑇 2 − 2𝑇𝑇 𝑐𝑜𝑠 800
1002 = 2 𝑇 2 − 2 𝑇 2 (0.1736) T
𝑇 = 77.79 𝑁
 1.4 ELASTICITY

1. Elasticity is the property of material that enables an object return to its

original shape and size after the force applied on it is removed.

Relationship Between Force and Extension of a Spring

1. Hooke’s Law states that the extension of a spring is directly proportional

to the force that applied on a spring provided the elastic limit of the
spring is not exceeded.
2. This relationship can be written as:
𝑥 ∝ 𝐹
𝐹 ∝ 𝑥
𝐹 = 𝑘𝑥

Where, F = force
x = extension of the spring
k = spring constant

Hence the formula for Hooke’s law is;

𝐹 = 𝑘𝑥
Analysis of the Graph of Force Against the Extension of a Spring

F/N

x/m
0
Figure 1.17 Graph of F against x

1. Based on the graph of F against x, the gradient of the graph is

𝐹
𝑥
2. Spring constant is defined as the ratio of the force applied on a spring
to the extension of the spring.
3. SI unit for spring constant is Nm⁻1.

4. The work done to stretch or compress the spring is the same as the
1
area under the graph, which is Fx.
2
5. Therefore, the elastic potential energy stored in the spring = Work done

1
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 = 𝐹𝑥
2
Or
1
The elastic potential energy = 𝑘𝑥 2 , where 𝐹 = 𝑘𝑥
2
❖ Factors that Affect the Elasticity of a Spring

Higher extension Lower extension

Shorter spring Longer spring

Smaller diameter of the spring coil Larger diameter of the spring coil
Thicker wire Thinner wire
Arrange in series Arrange in parallel
Material: Steel Material: Copper
❖ Spring System

Lower extension Higher extension

Shorter spring Longer spring

Smaller diameter of the spring coil Larger diameter of the spring coil

Thicker wire Thinner wire

Arrange in parallel Arrange in series

Material: Steel Material: Copper

Solving Problem Involving Force and Extension of a Spring

Example 1: A steel spring is extended by 4 cm when a 8 N force acting on

it. What is the force needed to extended the spring by 6 cm?

Solution:
𝐹 = 𝑘𝑥 8 𝐹2
=
𝐹 4 6
= 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 8
𝑥 𝐹2 = × 6 = 12𝑁
𝐹1 𝐹2 4
=
𝑥1 𝑥2

Example 2: A spring with an original length of 15 cm is compressed by 2.5

cm when a load of 2 N is placed on it. What is the length of the spring
when a load of 6 N is placed on it?

Solution:

𝐹1 𝐹2
=
𝑥1 𝑥2
2 6
=
2.5 𝑥2
6 × 2.5
𝑥2 = = 7.5 𝑐𝑚
2

Length of the spring = 15 - 7.5 cm = 7.5 cm

Example 3: Determine the total length of the spring in the system if the
spring constant is 5 N cm-1

Figure 1.17
Solution:
𝑘
𝐹 =
𝑥
𝐹 150
𝑥 = = = 30 𝑐𝑚
𝑘 5

Total length of the spring = 65 cm