Question

The process of finding a single force that can replace multiple forces acting on a body is called

• A. Composition of forces
• B. Equilibrium
• C. Friction
• D. Resolution of forces

Hint:

Composition of forces combines many forces into one resultant force.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks for the term that describes the process of combining several forces into a single equivalent force. This single force, known as the resultant force, would have the same effect on the body's motion as all the individual forces combined.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's define the terms from the field of mechanics:
(A) Composition of forces: This is the process of finding the resultant of a number of given forces. The resultant is a single force which, if applied to the body, would produce the same effect as all the original forces acting together. This process is typically done using vector addition (e.g., parallelogram law, triangle law, or by summing components). This perfectly matches the description in the question.
(B) Equilibrium: A body is in equilibrium when the resultant of all forces acting on it is zero. In this state, there is no change in the body's motion (it is either at rest or moving at a constant velocity). It is a state, not a process of combining forces.
(C) Friction: This is a specific type of force that opposes relative motion or the tendency of such motion between surfaces in contact.
(D) Resolution of forces: This is the {opposite} of composition. It is the process of breaking down a single force into two or more components acting in different directions. The components, when added together vectorially, are equivalent to the original force.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The process of finding a single resultant force to replace a system of multiple forces is called the composition of forces. Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer.