1. What is Resultant Force?

The resultant force is the single force that represents the vector sum of two or more forces acting on an object. It determines the net effect of all forces and the resulting acceleration according to Newton's second law.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the resultant force formula:

Where:

• \( R \) — Resultant force magnitude (N)
• \( F_1 \) — First force magnitude (N)
• \( F_2 \) — Second force magnitude (N)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between the two forces (degrees)

Explanation: This formula is derived from the law of cosines and calculates the magnitude of the resultant vector when two forces act at an angle to each other.

3. Importance of Resultant Force Calculation

Details: Calculating resultant force is fundamental in physics and engineering for determining net force, predicting motion, analyzing structural loads, and designing mechanical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What happens when θ = 90°?
A: When forces are perpendicular (θ = 90°), cos90° = 0, so the formula simplifies to R = √(F₁² + F₂²) - the Pythagorean theorem.

Q3: What happens when θ = 180°?
A: When forces act in opposite directions (θ = 180°), cos180° = -1, so the resultant is the difference: R = |F₁ - F₂|.

Q4: Can this calculator handle more than two forces?
A: No, this calculator is specifically designed for two forces. For multiple forces, you would need to use vector addition methods.

Q5: What units should I use for force?
A: The calculator expects newtons (N) as input, but the formula works with any consistent force units (pounds, dynes, etc.).