Which method is used to check the results obtained from the resolution and composition methods?

Which method is used to check the results obtained from the resolution and composition methods?

• A. Components
• B. Polygon method
• C. Moment of force
• D. Couple

Answer: (B)

To verify a vector sum from resolving forces into components or by directly composing them, use a polygon method. Draw each force as a vector, connecting them head-to-tail in sequence. The line from the starting point to the final point represents the resultant. If the system is in equilibrium, the polygon closes, meaning the resultant is zero; otherwise, the closing line shows the actual resultant magnitude and direction. This graphical check complements the algebraic sums of components and ensures the results from resolution and composition agree. The moment of a force or a couple deals with rotational effects and doesn’t serve as a general check for the vector sum.

To verify a vector sum from resolving forces into components or by directly composing them, use a polygon method. Draw each force as a vector, connecting them head-to-tail in sequence. The line from the starting point to the final point represents the resultant. If the system is in equilibrium, the polygon closes, meaning the resultant is zero; otherwise, the closing line shows the actual resultant magnitude and direction. This graphical check complements the algebraic sums of components and ensures the results from resolution and composition agree. The moment of a force or a couple deals with rotational effects and doesn’t serve as a general check for the vector sum.