1. What is a Resultant Force Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines 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 find the net effect of two forces acting simultaneously 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: 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 for understanding how multiple forces interact, designing structures, and solving mechanics problems.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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.

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

Q3: What happens when θ = 180°?
A: When forces act in opposite directions, the resultant is the absolute difference between F1 and F2.

Q4: Does this calculator give the direction of the resultant?
A: No, this only calculates the magnitude. Direction requires additional calculations.

Q5: Can I use this for more than two forces?
A: No, this is specifically for two forces. For more forces, you'd need to combine them pairwise or use vector components.