Class Notes - Forces, Vectors & Resultants
A. Force – A push or a pull on an object that can change the shape, velocity or
direction of the object.
B. Vectors – Arrows that show both the amount of the force in Newtons (N)
and the direction of that force (up, down, left, right).
C. Resultant – The final result of two or more vector forces acting together.
1. If the forces act together in the same direction, you add the vectors
to get the resultant.
2. If the forces act opposite to one another, you subtract the vectors
to get the resultant.
D. Balanced forces – Forces that act on an object and produce a resultant equal to
0 with no change in velocity or direction of the force.
(Net force = 0)
E. Unbalanced forces – Forces that act on an object and produce a resultant greater
than 0 which can change the velocity or direction of the force. (Net force > 0)
Vector examples 1 block = 1 Newton of force
5 N Right
6 6NnLeft
left
3 N Up
Resultant examples
5 N Right
8 N Right
R = 13 N Right
6 N Left
9 N Right
R = 3 N Right
4 N Down