Vector Sum of Forces

Mr. Anderson explains the vector sum of forces in this AP Physics Essentials video. He begins with a simple demonstration using a 1 kg mass and force meters, illustrating how forces split and combine. The video covers vector forces on an inclined plane, using free body diagrams and vector sums to determine acceleration. A force table is introduced for practical experimentation, and PHET simulations are used to visualize vector components. The video concludes with examples applying Newton's second law, demonstrating how to calculate acceleration with given forces and friction.

What is the force exerted by gravity on a 1 kg mass?

• 5 newtons

• 9.8 newtons

• 10 newtons

• 7.1 newtons

When two force meters are separated by a 90-degree angle, what is the approximate force reading on each?

• 10 newtons

• 9.8 newtons

• 7.1 newtons

• 5 newtons

What is the purpose of a free body diagram?

• To determine the mass of an object

• To calculate the speed of an object

• To identify and represent all force vectors acting on an object

• To measure the weight of an object

What is a force table used for in physics experiments?

• To determine mass

• To experiment with vector sums and balance forces

• To calculate velocity

• To measure temperature

How can you determine the vector sum of forces using a PHET simulation?

• By measuring the temperature

• By aligning force vectors tail to tip

• By calculating the mass

• By measuring the speed

In a simulation, if a robot applies a 150 newton force to the right and there is a 100 newton frictional force to the left, what is the net force?

• 50 newtons to the right

• 50 newtons to the left

• 100 newtons to the right

• 150 newtons to the left

Using Newton's second law, how do you calculate acceleration if the net force is 50 newtons and the mass is 50 kg?

• 0.5 m/s²

• 1 m/s²

• 5 m/s²

• 2 m/s²