Question
The vector sum of two forces is perpendicular to their vector differences. In that case, the forces
A.
are not equal to each other in magnitude
B.
cannot be predicted
C.
are equal to each other
D.
are equal to each other in magnitude
Answer :
are equal to each other in magnitude
Solution :
Let $$A$$ and $$B$$ be two forces. The sum of the two forces.
$${F_1} = A + B\,......\left( {\text{i}} \right)$$
The difference of the two forces,
$${F_2} = A - B\,......\left( {{\text{ii}}} \right)$$
Since, sum of the two forces is perpendicular to their differences as given, so
$$\eqalign{
& {F_1} \cdot {F_2} = 0 \cr
& {\text{or}}\,\left( {A + B} \right) \cdot \left( {A - B} \right) = 0 \cr
& {\text{or}}\,{A^2} - A \cdot B + B \cdot A - {B^2} = 0 \cr
& {\text{or}}\,{A^2} = {B^2} \cr
& {\text{or}}\,\left| A \right| = \left| B \right| \cr} $$
Thus, the forces are equal to each other in magnitude.