Exam-style question
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If a vector has a vertical component of 4 N and a horizontal component of 3 N, what is the magnitude of the resultant vector?.
- A.5 N
- B.7 N
- C.6 N
- D.4 N
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- 5 N
Explanation
Why this works
To calculate the magnitude of the resultant vector, use the Pythagorean theorem: resultant = √(horizontal² + vertical²). Substituting gives: √(3² + 4²) = √(9 + 16) = √25 = 5 N.
Therefore, the magnitude of the resultant vector is 5 N.
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