Source: Extra Practice

Three vectors of magnitudes 2 N2\text{ N}, 3 N3\text{ N}, and 6 N6\text{ N} act on a body. Which of the following is true regarding their resultant?

Options

Option A is correct

The minimum magnitude of their resultant is 1 N1\text{ N}.

Option B

The minimum magnitude of their resultant can be 0 N0\text{ N}.

Option C

The maximum magnitude of their resultant is 9 N9\text{ N}.

Option D

The resultant can never be less than 2 N2\text{ N}.

Explanation

For three vectors to have a minimum resultant of 0 N0\text{ N}, they must be able to form a closed triangle, which requires the sum of the two smaller magnitudes to be greater than or equal to the third (2+3=5<62 + 3 = 5 < 6, which fails this triangle inequality). The maximum possible resultant is when all three act in the same direction: 2+3+6=11 N2 + 3 + 6 = 11\text{ N} (making option 3 incorrect). The minimum resultant occurs when the two smaller forces act in the same direction, directly opposing the largest force, resulting in 6 N(2 N+3 N)=1 N6\text{ N} - (2\text{ N} + 3\text{ N}) = 1\text{ N}. Thus, the minimum magnitude is 1 N1\text{ N} (making option 1 correct, and options 2 and 4 incorrect).