1. What is the Resultant Force Equation?

Definition: This equation calculates the magnitude of the resultant force when two forces act on an object at an angle to each other.

Purpose: It helps in physics and engineering to determine the net effect of two forces acting at an angle.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula comes from the Law of Cosines and calculates the diagonal of the parallelogram formed by the two force vectors.

3. Importance of Resultant Force Calculation

Details: Understanding resultant forces is crucial for analyzing structures, mechanical systems, and motion under multiple forces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both force magnitudes in Newtons and the angle between them in degrees (0-180°). All values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens when θ = 0°?
A: When forces act in the same direction, F_r = F1 + F2 (maximum resultant).

Q2: What happens when θ = 90°?
A: The formula simplifies to F_r = √(F1² + F2²) (Pythagorean theorem).

Q3: What happens when θ = 180°?
A: When forces act in opposite directions, F_r = |F1 - F2| (minimum resultant).

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 combine them pairwise.

Q5: Does this give the direction of the resultant?
A: No, this only calculates the magnitude. Direction requires additional calculation.