How Do You Calculate the Resultant Force of Two Perpendicular Forces?

[espo]

two forces of 40N each act on something. the angle is 90 degree between the force. what is the magnitude of their resultant. my answer is 40 n. is that correct.

 

[chroot]

Hi espo,

The answer to this problem is exactly the same as the answer to the other problem you posted, here:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=87756#post87756

I have a feeling your teacher is trying to teach you some general concepts.

- Warren

 

[M98Ranger]

Yes, that is correct. Since the forces are equal in magnitude and perpendicular to each other, the resultant will also have a magnitude of 40N. This can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem: c^2 = a^2 + b^2, where c is the magnitude of the resultant and a and b are the magnitudes of the two forces. Plugging in the values, we get c^2 = 40^2 + 40^2 = 3200, which gives us a magnitude of 40N for the resultant.