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A resultant force/vector is the overall force or vector that results from the combination of multiple individual forces or vectors acting on an object. It represents the net effect of all the forces or vectors on the object.
To calculate the resultant force/vector, you need to first determine the magnitude and direction of each individual force or vector. Then, use vector addition or the Pythagorean theorem for forces in the same direction or different directions, respectively. The resultant force/vector is the final answer after performing the necessary calculations.
A force is a push or a pull on an object, while a vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. A force can be represented as a vector, but not all vectors are forces.
Yes, the resultant force/vector can be negative. This means that the forces or vectors acting on an object are in opposite directions, resulting in a net force or vector that points in the direction of the smaller force or vector.
Finding the resultant force/vector helps in physics by allowing us to understand the overall effect of multiple forces or vectors on an object. It is also necessary for solving many physics problems and predicting the motion of objects.