6. (a) The magnitude and direction of a force can be represented by a vector - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 6
6. (a) The magnitude and direction of a force can be represented by a vector.
Figure 13 shows the forces acting on four identical trolleys. The arrows show the mag... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:6. (a) The magnitude and direction of a force can be represented by a vector - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify Horizontal Forces
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Answer
The horizontal forces acting on the wooden block include the tension in the string and the friction between the table and the wooden block. The tension provides a force that attempts to move the block forward, while friction opposes this motion.
Step 2
Balance of Forces
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Answer
For the wooden block to move at a constant horizontal velocity, the forces must be balanced. This means that the force applied by the tension must equal the force of friction acting in the opposite direction.
Step 3
Identify Vertical Forces
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Answer
Vertical forces include the weight of the block acting downwards due to gravity, and the normal reaction force exerted by the table acting upwards. These two forces are equal and opposite.
Step 4
Maintain Constant Velocity
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Answer
As the vertical forces are balanced (the weight and the normal force), and the horizontal forces are also balanced (tension equals friction), the wooden block moves across the table at a constant horizontal velocity, as there is no resultant force acting on it.
