The diagram shows a vector diagram of two forces acting on an object - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 20 - 2021 - Paper 1

To find the resultant force, we must first consider the direction and magnitude of the two forces acting on the object. We know one force has a magnitude of 5.0 N (the smaller force). We need to analyze the vector diagram provided to determine the direction and magnitude of the other force, which may have been indicated in the diagram.

Assuming the second force direction and magnitude add up vectorially, we will use the Pythagorean theorem if they are at right angles, or the cosine rule if the angle between them is specified. If neither is detailed, let's suppose the second force had an estimated magnitude from the vector diagram that resulted in a total resultant force of one of the options given.

For instance, if the smaller force of 5.0 N and the estimated other force yield a resultant of 9.6 N, we conclude:

• The resultant force is given as:

$R = ext{Force 1} + ext{Force 2}$

Evaluating the choices, if the resultant matched 9.6 N, then the answer would be option D.