1. What is a Resultant Force Calculator for 2 Forces?

Definition: This calculator determines the magnitude of the resultant force when two forces act at an angle to each other.

Purpose: It helps engineers, physicists, and students analyze force systems and understand vector addition.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This is derived from the Law of Cosines for vector addition, accounting for both the magnitudes of the forces and the angle between them.

3. Importance of Resultant Force Calculation

Details: Calculating resultant forces is fundamental in structural analysis, mechanical design, and understanding equilibrium conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both force magnitudes in newtons (N) and the angle between them (0-180°). The angle determines whether forces are additive (0°) or subtractive (180°).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What happens when θ = 90°?
A: The formula reduces to Pythagorean theorem: \( F_r = \sqrt{F1^2 + F2^2} \).

Q3: What happens when θ = 180°?
A: The resultant is the absolute difference between F1 and F2 (minimum resultant).

Q4: Can this calculator handle more than 2 forces?
A: No, this is specifically for 2 forces. For more forces, you'd need to perform sequential calculations or use vector components.

Q5: What if my forces are in different units?
A: Convert all forces to the same unit (preferably newtons) before calculation.