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 the individual forces combined.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the resultant force formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates the magnitude of the resultant force when two forces act at an angle to each other, using the law of cosines.

3. Importance of Resultant Force Calculation

Details: Calculating resultant forces is essential in physics and engineering to determine the net effect of multiple forces acting on an object, which is crucial for analyzing motion and equilibrium.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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°), the formula reduces to R = √(F1² + F2²) as cos(90°) = 0.

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

Q4: Can this calculator handle more than two forces?
A: No, this calculator is designed for two forces only. For multiple forces, you would need to calculate step-by-step.

Q5: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses newtons (N) for force and degrees for angle. Make sure your inputs are in these units.