1. What is the Resultant of Two Forces?

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 a body at an angle to each other.

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: 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 affect an object's motion or equilibrium.

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° (forces in same direction)?
A: The resultant is simply the sum of the two forces (Fr = F1 + F2).

Q2: What happens when θ = 90° (perpendicular forces)?
A: The formula reduces to Fr = √(F1² + F2²) as cos(90°) = 0.

Q3: What happens when θ = 180° (opposite forces)?
A: The resultant is the difference between the forces (Fr = |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 pairwise or use vector components.

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