Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Forces and equilibrium

Forces and equilibrium — practice question

At a point, four coplanar forces with magnitudes $4\,\text{N}$, $8\,\text{N}$, $12\,\text{N}$ and $16\,\text{N}$ are applied. Their directions are illustrated in Fig. 1.
(i)[5]

Determine both the magnitude and the direction of the resultant of the four forces.

(ii)[2]

The $4\,\text{N}$ and $16\,\text{N}$ forces swap directions, and the $8\,\text{N}$ and $12\,\text{N}$ forces swap directions too (see Fig. 2). State the magnitude and direction of the resultant of the four forces in Fig. 2.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 7-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Horizontal component: $x$-component $= 4 + 8\cos30^\circ + 12\cos60^\circ$

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