The minimum number of unequal forces whose vector sum can be zero is

Correct answer: C. Three

  • A. One
  • B. Two
  • C. Three
  • D. Four

Explanation

The minimum number of unequal forces whose vector sum can be zero is three. This is known as the triangle law of vector addition. When three forces are properly balanced in magnitude and direction, their vector sum can cancel out to produce a net force of zero. If there were only two unequal forces, their vector sum would never be zero unless they have equal magnitude and opposite directions.

This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2010 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.

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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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