Physics Vectors & Equilibrium PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 12 of 50
Two forces of 5 N and 7 N act on a single point. Which of the following force values cannot be their resultant?
A
3 N
B
7 N
C
11 N
D
1 N
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option D: 1 N
Concept:
Vector limits using the triangle inequality theorem.

Formula:
$$|F_1 - F_2| \le R \le F_1 + F_2$$

Solution:
With individual magnitudes of 5 N and 7 N:
  • The minimum possible resultant magnitude (anti-parallel configuration) is:
    $$7\text{ N} - 5\text{ N} = 2\text{ N}$$
  • The maximum possible resultant magnitude (parallel configuration) is:
    $$7\text{ N} + 5\text{ N} = 12\text{ N}$$
Any value smaller than 2 N or larger than 12 N is physically impossible. Therefore, a resultant of 1 N cannot be formed.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • 3 N, 7 N, and 11 N all fall within the physically permissible interval of \([2\text{ N}, 12\text{ N}]\).

Quality & Fidelity Assurance: Every question on BeambePrep is rigorously curated against the official PMDC syllabus with zero filler, zero out-of-syllabus content, and zero typos. When an authentic past paper originally contained a historical mistake or ambiguity from the examining board (such as UHS or NUMS), BeambePrep faithfully reflects the original paper while detailing the nuance and scientific consensus in the autopsy above.

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