Forces in Two Dimensions

Front

Components Noun

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[kuhm-poh-nents]

Back

Components

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The projections of a vector onto a set of coordinate axes, such as the horizontal x- and vertical y-components.

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Example: This diagram shows a vector (like a force) broken down into its horizontal (Vx) and vertical (Vy) components on a coordinate plane.

Front

Vector Resolution Noun

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[vek-ter rez-uh-loo-shun]

Back

Vector Resolution

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The process of breaking down a single vector into its individual component vectors along a set of coordinate axes.

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Example: A single force (10 N) acting at an angle is broken down into its two perpendicular parts, a horizontal force (vector a) and a vertical force (vector b).

Front

Equilibrium Noun

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[ee-kwuh-lib-ree-uhm]

Back

Equilibrium

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The state of an object where the net force acting on it is zero, resulting in zero acceleration or constant velocity.

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Example: Two people pull a rope with equal and opposite force, so the rope does not move. This shows a state of equilibrium.

Front

Resultant Force Noun

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[ri-zuhl-tnt fors]

Back

Resultant Force

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The single force that is the vector sum of all individual forces acting on an object, producing the same effect.

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Example: When two forces push an object in the same direction, they add together to create a larger total, or resultant, force.

Front

Equilibrant Noun

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[ih-kwil-uh-brant]

Back

Equilibrant

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A single force that is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the resultant force, creating equilibrium.

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Example: The downward force E (equilibrant) is a single force that perfectly balances the combined upward pull of forces A and B (the resultant).

Front

Friction Noun

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[frik-shun]

Back

Friction

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A force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of motion between two surfaces that are in contact.

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Example: A force pushes a crate, and friction is the opposing force that resists this motion where the crate and the ground touch.

Front

Kinetic Friction Noun

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[ki-net-ik frik-shun]

Back

Kinetic Friction

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The resistive force that acts on an object when it is sliding or moving relative to a surface.

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Example: As the cart moves across the rough surface, kinetic friction is the force that acts in the opposite direction of motion, slowing it down.

Front

Static Friction Noun

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[stat-ik frik-shun]

Back

Static Friction

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The resistive force that prevents an object from starting to move when an external force is applied to it.

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Example: This diagram shows that when you apply a force to a stationary object, like pushing a book, an opposing force called static friction prevents it from moving.

Front

Coefficient of Kinetic Friction Noun

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[koh-uh-fish-uhnt ov ki-net-ik frik-shun]

Back

Coefficient of Kinetic Friction

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A dimensionless scalar value representing the ratio of the kinetic friction force to the normal force between two surfaces.

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Example: This image shows the formula for kinetic friction, where the coefficient of kinetic friction (μk) is multiplied by the normal force (N) to find the kinetic friction force (fk).

Front

Coefficient of Static Friction Noun

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[koh-uh-fish-uhnt ov stat-ik frik-shun]

Back

Coefficient of Static Friction

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A dimensionless scalar value representing the ratio of the maximum static friction force to the normal force.

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Example: This diagram shows the forces on a stationary block. An applied force is opposed by static friction, while gravity is balanced by the upward reaction force.