1. What is Force Resolution?

Definition: Force resolution is the process of breaking down a single force vector into its perpendicular components, typically horizontal (F_x) and vertical (F_y).

Purpose: This technique is fundamental in physics and engineering for analyzing forces in different directions separately.

2. How Does Force Resolution Work?

The calculator uses the trigonometric formulas:

Where:

• \( F \) — Magnitude of the original force (Newtons)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between the force and horizontal axis (degrees)
• \( F_x \) — Horizontal component of the force
• \( F_y \) — Vertical component of the force

Explanation: The cosine function gives the adjacent side (horizontal component) while the sine function gives the opposite side (vertical component) of the right triangle formed by the force vector.

3. Importance of Force Resolution

Details: Resolving forces allows engineers to:

• Analyze structures by considering forces in specific directions
• Determine net forces in complex systems
• Calculate moments and torques more easily
• Solve equilibrium problems

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the force magnitude in Newtons and the angle in degrees (0-360). The angle is measured from the positive x-axis (horizontal).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What angle convention should I use?
A: Use standard mathematical convention: 0° points right (+x), 90° points up (+y), 180° points left (-x), etc.

Q2: Can I use negative forces?
A: The calculator accepts positive magnitudes only. Direction is determined by the angle you input.

Q3: What if my angle is negative?
A: The calculator will properly handle negative angles (e.g., -30° = 330°).

Q4: How precise are the results?
A: Results are calculated with floating-point precision and displayed to 3 decimal places.

Q5: Can I resolve forces in 3D?
A: This calculator handles 2D resolution only. For 3D, you'd need additional angles (azimuth and elevation).