1. What is Resultant Force?

Definition: The resultant force is the single force that represents the vector sum of two or more forces acting on an object.

Purpose: It helps in determining the net effect of multiple forces acting on an object in different directions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( F_r \) — Resultant force (Newtons, N)
• \( F1 \) — First force (N)
• \( F2 \) — Second force (N)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between the forces (degrees)

Explanation: This formula comes from the law of cosines and calculates the magnitude of the vector sum of two forces.

3. Importance of Resultant Force Calculation

Details: Calculating resultant forces is essential in physics and engineering to understand how multiple forces will affect an object's motion or equilibrium.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the magnitudes of both forces in Newtons and the angle between them in degrees (0-180°).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens when θ = 0°?
A: When forces are in the same direction, the resultant is simply the sum of the two forces (F1 + F2).

Q2: What happens when θ = 90°?
A: When forces are perpendicular, the resultant is the square root of the sum of their squares (√(F1² + F2²)).

Q3: What happens when θ = 180°?
A: When forces are in opposite directions, the resultant is the absolute difference between them (|F1 - F2|).

Q4: Can I use this for more than two forces?
A: No, this calculator is for two forces only. For more forces, you'd need to add them sequentially.

Q5: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses Newtons (N) for force and degrees for angles. Ensure consistent units.