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(Revised 10-6-01)

Vectors, Short Answer Problems

    NOTE: ALL PROBLEMS MUST INCLUDE A LABELED DIAGRAM

    Generally, "COMPARE" will require two similarities, "CONTRAST" will require two differences.  An explanation is an assumed requirement for each problem.

 1.   A roofer, when installing the roof on a new bank in Clarks Summit, places a bundle of shingles midway between the peak of the roof and its edge.  DIAGRAM and EXPLAIN all the forces that are interacting (using only those we have discussed so far this year in Physics).  Would these forces be the same if the bundle had been placed on the roof’s peak?  Why?

 2.   COMPARE and CONTRAST the NORMAL FORCE that your physics book will exert against the surface of an incline with the normal    force that it will exert against a horizontal surface.      

   3.   Can a body be in static equilibrium when only one force acts on it?

   4.   A helium balloon hovers in midair, neither ascending nor descending.  Is it in equilibrium?  What forces act on it?

   5.   If the two ends of a rope in equilibrium are pulled with forces of equal magnitude and opposite direction, why is the total tension in the rope not zero?

    6.   A clothesline is hung between two poles, and then a shirt is hung near the center.  No matter how tightly the line is stretched, it always sags a little at the center.  Explain why.

    7.   Would it be easier to pull a wagon with a long handle or a short handle?   Your hand must be at the same elevation above the ground for both handles and you must use the same exertion (FE).  Explain.

  1. Is it possible to have two vector quantities that have components that are non-zero, but have a resultant that is zero?  Explain.
  1. COMPARE and CONTRAST the resultant and equilibrant between two force vectors.
  1. A box weighing “W” newtons rests on an inclined plane which makes an angle of “X” with the horizontal.      

(A)    What variable(s) affect the force with which gravity attempts to pull the box down the inclined plane?

(B)     What are the limits of the variable(s) that affect the magnitude of this force?

    11.   A crate is pulled across the floor of a warehouse two times.  The first time a horizontal force is exerted on the pull rope.  During the second time, the pull rope is inclined at 35 degrees with the floor.  COMPARE and CONTRAST the NORMAL FORCE the crate exerts against the floor during both situations.  You must use LABELED DIAGRAMS to assist your explanation.

    12.   A block weighing “W” Newtons rests on an inclined plane which makes an angle “q “ with the horizontal.   The block is pulled up the incline at a constant velocity by a force “T”.  Diagram ALL the forces interacting in the system.

  1. Is it possible to have two vectors with different lengths to have a vector sum of zero?  Explain.
    14.   A picture frame hangs on a wall.  Is it possible for the tension in the supporting wires to be GREATER than the weight of the frame?  Explain clearly using an appropriately labeled diagram.

    15.   A man sits in a hammock.  Is it possible for the tension in the supporting ropes to be LESS than the weight of the man?  Explain in detail using a labeled diagram.

    16.   COMPARE and CONTRAST the force needed to move an object at constant velocity on a horizontal surface with the force needed to move the same object up the surface of an inclined plane at a constant velocity.