9702_s22_qp_13 Question 5

Forces of magnitudes 2N, 4 N and 7 N combine to produce a resultant force. 

The magnitudes of the three forces are fixed, but the forces may act in any direction in the same plane. 

What is not a possible magnitude of the resultant force? 

A 0 N 

B 5 N 

C 8 N 

D 13 N

ANSWER: A

The Physics behind the answer:

• To answer this question, you must recognize that these combination of forces yields different possible magnitudes ranging from 1 N to 13 N.
• The maximum possible value is determined by assuming that they all are in the same direction.
• The minimum possible value is determined by assuming that 2 N and 6 N are in the same direction while 7 N is acting opposite to that. 
• Within this range, all options are possible except for option A.