Forces in two dimensions (including resolution of a force)
I can draw and interpret free body force diagrams to describe the resultant force on an object and resolve a force into perpendicular components.
Forces in two dimensions (including resolution of a force)
I can draw and interpret free body force diagrams to describe the resultant force on an object and resolve a force into perpendicular components.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A free body diagram shows all of the forces acting on a single object
- The resultant of two forces can be determined by adding individual forces on a vector diagram
- The resultant of two perpendicular forces is in a different direction from either of these forces
- A single force can be resolved into two components acting at right angles to each other
- The two component forces together have the same effect as the single force
Keywords
Resultant force - is a single force that represents the effect of all the forces on an object.
Equilibrium - is the state of an object if there is no resultant force acting on it.
Vector diagram - is a drawing on which forces are drawn end to end and to scale, which can be used to find a resultant force.
Component of a force - is one of two perpendicular forces that add up to a single force.
Resolving forces - splits a force into two perpendicular forces that add up to that force.
Common misconception
The velocity of an object must be in the same direction as the resultant force acting on the object.
Invite pupils to consider situations in which the resultant force is not in the same direction as the velocity, such as an object that has been thrown upwards and is slowing down as its height increases.
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Forces in two dimensions (including resolution of a force), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Forces in two dimensions (including resolution of a force), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Forces make things change unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
