Notes on using Resolving.xls

This spreadsheet allows students to practice resolving forces (vectors) into components and finding resultant forces for randomly selected systems of two or three forces.

It optionally enables them to see the polygon of forces and resultant force (for two vectors) or force required for equilibrium (for three vectors).

Input boxes are used to ask the students questions and check if they gave the right answer.

Background: Ideas of basic vectors, components and resultants. 

Questions for students.

• Start with one vector.

  • Click on Info to see what the vales on the vectors mean.

  • Click on Recalculate to generate a new problem.

  • You will be asked to find the horizontal and vertical components of the force.

  • Practice until you are confident in finding the components.

  • Remember to give answers to the nearest whole number.

 

• Move on to two vectors.

  • You will be asked to find the magnitude and direction of the resultant force.

  • You could do this by using components or by solving the triangle of forces.

  • Try to do some problems by one method and some by the other. Which is easier?

  • Practice until you are confident.

 

• Move on to three vectors.

  • You will be asked to find the magnitude and direction of the force required for equilibrium.You will probably want to do this by using components but you could do it by solving the polygon of forces. Which method is easier this time?

  • Practice until you are confident.