The minimum number of unequal coplanar forces whose vector sum can be zero is
- A. one
- B. two
- C. three
- D. four
Explanation
Two unequal forces can never cancel, since cancelling requires equal magnitudes in opposite directions. Three forces can close a triangle head to tail even when all three magnitudes differ, so three is the minimum. This is why the triangle of forces is the standard construction for a body in equilibrium under three forces.
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