A Level Physics Practice Exam

What shape represents a situation where vector addition results in zero?

1. Open triangle

2. Closed triangle

3. Straight line

4. Rectangle

The correct answer is: Closed triangle

The shape that represents a situation where vector addition results in zero is a closed triangle. When three vectors are arranged tip-to-tail in the form of a triangle, their sum will close the triangle, indicating that the vectors balance each other out perfectly. This means that the total resultant vector is zero, showing that the forces or velocities represented by those vectors are in equilibrium. In physics, this concept is often used to illustrate conditions of static equilibrium where multiple forces act on an object but do not cause it to move. The closed triangle visually demonstrates that all vectors combine to create a net effect of zero. Thus, the closed loop formed by the vectors symbolically means that there is no overall direction or force acting on the object. The other options depict situations that do not indicate a zero net vector. An open triangle suggests that the vectors do not fully balance, creating an unclosed shape and implying a resultant vector. A straight line does not sufficiently show a vector sum, as it indicates linear addition without closure. The rectangle illustrates the addition of vectors but does not inherently represent a situation of balance or zero resultant.