A-LevelPhysicsForces, density and pressure9702/12 · May/June 2020 · Q121 Mark
A thin horizontal beam XY is freely hinged at point Y to a vertical wall. The beam is held stationary by a cable XZ which is attached to the wall at point Z. [Figure 12.1] The beam supports a weight W at point X. The forces in the cable and the beam are F_C and F_B respectively. Which vector triangle represents the forces acting on point X? [Figure 12.2]
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
ADiagram showing three vectors forming a closed triangle: W vertically down, F_C upwards and left, F_B horizontally right, arranged head-to-tail.
BDiagram showing three vectors forming a closed triangle: W vertically down, F_B horizontally right, F_C upwards and left, arranged head-to-tail.
CDiagram showing three vectors forming a closed triangle: F_C upwards and left, F_B horizontally right, W vertically down, arranged head-to-tail.
DDiagram showing three vectors forming a closed triangle: W vertically down, F_C upwards and right, F_B horizontally left, arranged head-to-tail.
✓ Correct answer
A: Diagram showing three vectors forming a closed triangle: W vertically down, F_C upwards and left, F_B horizontally right, arranged head-to-tail.
Practise more questions on this topic
Oracle Prep sorts past-paper questions by topic, so you can drill Forces, density and pressure and see which topics are most likely to come up next.
Sign up free →