Finding the Maximum and Minimum Resultant of Two Forces
A boy and his sister exert a 5 N force eastward on a dresser. If their mother wants to prevent them from moving the dresser, how large must her force be?
Range of Possible Resultants
θ ≠ 0° ≠ 180°
Forces of 100. N and 30. N act on a body.
Find: Largest Possible Resultant.
Find: Smallest Possible Resultant.
Subtract the two forces to find the Smallest Resultant
Add the two forces to find the Largest Resultant
All forces pass through a common point
Not Concurrent
Which pair of concurrent forces may have a resultant of 20 nt?
a) 5 nt + 10 nt
b) 20 nt + 20 nt
c) 20 nt + 50 nt
d) 30 nt + 5 nt
Hint: Find the range of possible resultants for each choice
| Choice | Max | Min |
|---|---|---|
| a) 5 nt + 10 nt | 15 nt | 5 nt |
| b) 20 nt + 20 nt | 40 nt | 0 nt |
| c) 20 nt + 50 nt | 70 nt | 30 nt |
| d) 30 nt + 5 nt | 35 nt | 25 nt |