Step-by-Step Guide: Resultant Force Vectors
Step-by-step guide helping students calculate resultant forces, identify balanced vs unbalanced vectors, and link them to motion, acceleration, and equilibrium.
This visual resource breaks down the concept of resultant forces through simple, engaging examples (car, motorbike, skier, and parachute). It aligns with the AQA KS3 and GCSE Physics (8463/8464) specification and supports the “Forces and Motion” unit.
Students learn to:
Identify and label forces with correct size and direction (in newtons).
Distinguish between balanced and unbalanced forces.
Understand that balanced forces (equal and opposite vectors) cause no change in motion.
Calculate the resultant force by adding or subtracting vectors acting in opposite directions.
Apply the concept to real contexts — e.g. acceleration, deceleration, constant speed, and vertical motion.
Reinforce vector vs scalar ideas and link to Newton’s First and Second Laws.
Perfect for classroom display, retrieval tasks, or revision summaries. Includes worked examples, consistent AQA vocabulary, and clear, student-friendly visuals with directional arrows and force labels.












