The minimum number of unequal coplanar forces whose vector sum can be zero is
Correct answer: C. three
- A. one
- B. two
- C. three
- D. four
Explanation
Two unequal forces can never cancel, since cancelling requires equal magnitudes in opposite directions. Three forces can close a triangle head to tail even when all three magnitudes differ, so three is the minimum. This is why the triangle of forces is the standard construction for a body in equilibrium under three forces.
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About Addition of Vectors
Vector addition combines directed quantities using the head-to-tail, parallelogram and component methods. Work includes finding the resultant magnitude and direction for two or more vectors, resolving vectors into perpendicular components, and distinguishing vector addition from scalar addition, where direction has no role.
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