Question

multiple select question
select all that apply
which are rules used when adding forces together?
add forces in the same direction.
forces not in the same direction or in opposite directions cannot be directly added together.
subtract forces in opposite directions.
the smallest forces are never counted.

Explanation:

• When forces act in the same direction, their magnitudes are added together. For example, if two forces \(F_1\) and \(F_2\) act in the same direction, the resultant force \(F = F_1+F_2\).
• When forces act in opposite directions, their magnitudes are subtracted. If \(F_1>F_2\) and they act in opposite directions, the resultant force \(F = F_1 - F_2\) (direction of \(F_1\)).
• Forces that are not colinear (not in the same or opposite directions) require vector addition methods (like component - wise addition) and cannot be directly added or subtracted in the simple scalar way as collinear forces.
• The statement “The smallest forces are never counted” is incorrect. All forces contribute to the net force calculation depending on their direction and magnitude.

Answer:

• Add forces in the same direction.
• Forces not in the same direction or in opposite directions cannot be directly added together.
• Subtract forces in opposite directions.