1. What is Resultant Force?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the resultant force formula:

Where:

• \( F_r \) — Resultant force (N)
• \( \sum F_x \) — Sum of forces in x-direction (N)
• \( \sum F_y \) — Sum of forces in y-direction (N)

Explanation: The formula calculates the magnitude of the resultant force using the Pythagorean theorem, combining the orthogonal components of all forces.

3. Importance of Resultant Force Calculation

Details: Calculating resultant force is essential for analyzing object motion, determining equilibrium conditions, and solving engineering problems involving multiple forces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the sum of forces in x-direction and y-direction in newtons (N). Both values must be valid numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between net force and resultant force?
A: Net force and resultant force are essentially the same concept - both refer to the vector sum of all forces acting on an object.

Q2: How do you find the direction of the resultant force?
A: The direction can be found using the formula: θ = arctan(ΣF_y/ΣF_x), where θ is the angle from the x-axis.

Q3: What if forces are acting in three dimensions?
A: For 3D forces, the formula becomes: F_r = √(ΣF_x² + ΣF_y² + ΣF_z²)

Q4: When is the resultant force zero?
A: The resultant force is zero when all force components sum to zero, indicating the object is in equilibrium.

Q5: How does resultant force relate to acceleration?
A: According to Newton's second law: F_r = m × a, where m is mass and a is acceleration.