Lesson 3.03m

3.03m Resolving forces in equilibrium Quiz: OCR Maths, Unit 18

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 3.03m, Resolving forces in equilibrium: 20 multiple choice questions for the OCR Maths (H240), Unit 18: Forces and Newton's Laws, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. What is the magnitude of the resultant force acting on a particle in equilibrium?

    • 9.8 N
    • Zero
    • Equal to mass
    • Variable

  2. If a particle is in equilibrium, what is the sum of resolved forces in any given direction?

    • Equal to weight
    • Equal to mass
    • Zero
    • Greater than zero

  3. A force of magnitude F acts at an angle θ to the horizontal. What is its horizontal component?

    • F tan(θ)
    • F sec(θ)
    • F cos(θ)
    • F sin(θ)

  4. A force of magnitude F acts at an angle θ to the horizontal. What is its vertical component?

    • F cos(θ)
    • F tan(θ)
    • F cosec(θ)
    • F sin(θ)

  5. What component of a particle's weight mg acts parallel to a plane inclined at angle θ?

    • mg
    • mg sin(θ)
    • mg tan(θ)
    • mg cos(θ)

  6. What component of a particle's weight mg acts perpendicular to a plane inclined at angle θ?

    • mg sin(θ)
    • mg cos(θ)
    • mg
    • mg tan(θ)

  7. Three coplanar forces in equilibrium can be represented vectorially by which closed geometric shape?

    • Parallelogram of forces
    • Triangle of forces
    • Square of forces
    • Circle of forces

  8. A particle of mass 4 kg rests in equilibrium on a smooth horizontal floor. What is the normal reaction?

    • 4 N
    • 0 N
    • 2g N
    • 4g N

  9. What is assumed about the tension throughout a light inextensible string passing over a smooth pulley?

    • Increases with length
    • Zero throughout
    • Constant throughout
    • Doubles at pulley

  10. Which modeling assumption means the mass of a string can be completely ignored in calculations?

    • Inextensible
    • Smooth
    • Particle
    • Light

  11. Which modeling assumption means that a string does not stretch when subjected to a tension force?

    • Flexible
    • Smooth
    • Inextensible
    • Light

  12. Which modeling term indicates that there is no frictional force between a pulley and a string?

    • Smooth
    • Fixed
    • Inextensible
    • Light

  13. A 5 kg mass hangs in equilibrium from two vertical, symmetrical strings. What is the tension in each string?

    • 2.5g N
    • 5g N
    • 10g N
    • 0 N

  14. What force P parallel to a smooth 30° slope holds a mass m in equilibrium?

    • mg sin(30°)
    • mg cos(30°)
    • mg
    • mg tan(30°)

  15. A particle of weight W is in equilibrium under a horizontal force and vertical tension T. What is T?

    • W
    • W / 2
    • 0
    • W tan(θ)

  16. A force of (3i + 4j) N acts on a particle. What force is required to maintain equilibrium?

    • (-3i + 4j) N
    • (3i - 4j) N
    • (4i + 3j) N
    • (-3i - 4j) N

  17. For a particle in equilibrium under coplanar forces, how many independent resolving equations can be formed?

    • Four
    • Three
    • One
    • Two

  18. A particle is in equilibrium under two horizontal forces, 10 N east and F west. What is the magnitude of F?

    • 10 N
    • 0 N
    • 5 N
    • 20 N

  19. A plane is inclined at angle θ to the horizontal. What angle does the normal reaction make with the vertical?

    • 90° - θ
    • θ
    • 90° + θ
    • 180° - θ

  20. If four coplanar forces on a particle are in equilibrium, what vector shape do they form when connected head-to-tail?

    • Closed polygon
    • Straight line
    • Open polygon
    • Circle

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