Answers to GCSE Finding the resultant force, using the parallelogram rule

Answers to GCSE Finding the resultant force, using the parallelogram rule

Practice Questions

1.State what the parallelogram rule is used for

We can use the parallelogram rule to find the resultant force of two forces that do not act along the same line. 

2. A golf ball has a forward force in an easterly direction of 400N. Whilst the golf ball is moving, a cross wind in a southerly direction of 150N acts on the golf ball. Using the parallelogram rule draw a diagram to show this and calculate the resultant force. 

On the diagram below, the forward force 400N was 8cm long. This means that 1cm = 50N.

Golf ball question for parallelogram of forces

The purple line is approx 8.5cm, this is 430N.

3. Two tug boats  pull a larger boat forwards. The first tug boat uses a force of 1600N, whilst the second uses a force of 600N. The angle between the tug boats is 50 Degrees. Draw a scale diagram to show this and using the parallelogram rule, calculate the resultant force. 

A diagram has been placed below to help you visualise question 3. 

Tug boat question using parallelogram of forces

The answer is below

Answers to tugboat question on parallelogram of forces

Complete your parallelogram, then measure the resultant force line, apply the scale factor of 1cm = 200N

The length of the resultant line is approx 10.2cm and the resultant force is approx 2040N

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