What is Resultant force: Definition and 172 Discussions

In physics and engineering, a resultant force is the single force and associated torque obtained by combining a system of forces and torques acting on a rigid body. The defining feature of a resultant force, or resultant force-torque, is that it has the same effect on the rigid body as the original system of forces. Calculating and visualizing the resultant force on a body is done through computational analysis, or (in the case of sufficiently simple systems) a free body diagram.
The point of application of the resultant force determines its associated torque. The term resultant force should be understood to refer to both the forces and torques acting on a rigid body, which is why some use the term ' resultant force-torque.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. M

    Resultant Force Due to Hydrostatic Pressure

    I've got a question concerning the resultant force due to hydrostatic pressure. I understand how to calculate an object with uniform dimensions as depth (and pressure) increase. But I got thrown a serious curve ball on a Statics test. The situation was such: A downward facing isosceles...
  2. A

    Why do we use the distance to the centroid when finding the resultant force?

    When find the resultant force on a plane surface under uniform pressure why do we use ybar, the distance to the centroid when the resultant force acts through the centre of pressure? Shouldn't we use the distance to the centre of pressure?
  3. B

    Force , Resultant Force, Magnitude & Direction

    Figure 1a shows a system of forces is pulled an object on different directions. 1a) Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant force for the system of forces shown. 1b) Explain the changes of magnitude and direction of resultant force for the system of forces based on the...
  4. A

    Component vector method for resultant force

    Homework Statement An object has two ropes attached. One is on the x-axis (positive) with a 60 lb force. One is 120* (Quadrant II) from the first rope with a 30 lb force. I have to find the resultant force and angle using the component vector method of addition NOT the parallelogram method...
  5. Jadaav

    Parallelogram method to calculate the resultant force

    In school, we've been using the parallelogram method to calculate the resultant force of 2 forces. I've noticed the teacher using his calculator to give the answer, so I think there must be a formula to calculate Resultant force. Can someone tell me the formula please ?
  6. B

    Magnitude and coordinate direction angles of the resultant force.

    Problem is here http://engineeringhomework.net/statics/FG02_32-03UNP62.JPG Determine the magnitude and coordinate direction angles of the resultant force. I don't know where to start on this one.
  7. P

    Acceleration without resultant force (rotating body)

    Hello there. I have some difficulty in understanding the condition for a rigid body standing still (or rotating). If we have a body, let's say a yoyo which is somehow pierced through the center and attached in a way that it's center of mass can't move, but the yoyo can rotate if we apply...
  8. jegues

    Rotating the Resultant Force on a Charge

    Homework Statement See figure attached for problem statement and figures given Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution See figure attached for my attempt. I'm obtaining x^2 = negative in the end so I'm guessing I must have done something wrong, I'm just not quite sure...
  9. K

    Resultant Force on Charge in the middle of square

    Homework Statement (a) Find the resultant force on a negative charge of -3q, placed at the center of a square of side b, which has charges on the 4 corners, respectively, q, 2q, -4q, 2q in clockwise order. (Magnitude and direction)Homework Equations F= k*q1*q*(1/ r^2) Ftotal= F15 + F25 + F35...
  10. J

    Resultant Force Help: Converting m/s to mph

    I was relearning some physics and I came across this problem. Kyle and Paul, two NHL players, are playing hockey against each other and Kyle checks Paul, on center ice. They hang on to each other so the collision is inelastic. Assume Kyle weighs 90kg and Paul weighs 80kg. Kyle was skating at...
  11. B

    Calculating Resultant Force of a Noncurrent System

    Homework Statement Calculate the magnitude, direction and sense of the resultant force of the noncurrent force system shown, determine where the resultant intersects the bottom of the shape with respect to Point A Homework Equations...
  12. A

    Resultant force on aircraft door

    Homework Statement The air pressure at the altitude an aircraft is flying at is 28kPa. If the pressure inside the cabin is maintained at 100kPa, what is the resultant force on a door of area 2m^2 in the side of the aircraft? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I am not...
  13. V

    Calculating Resultant Force: Comparing Methods and Identifying Errors

    Ok so I have something like this...not drawn to scale http://i53.tinypic.com/303l5k6.gif I can see that with the law of cos I can get 49N However...with this other method where you set Sum of F=0 With sqrt(Fx^2+Fy^2)=R sqrt((40*cos(20)+20*cos(30))^2+(40*sin(20)-20*sin(30))^2) I...
  14. P

    Resultant Force Acting on T6 Vertebrae

    A chiropractor applies a thrust to the spinous process of T6. The magnitude is 400 N and it is applied 90 degrees to the y-axis. While this occurs the superior disc applies a force to the T6 body of 615 N, 75 degrees to the x-axis. The inferior disc applies a force to the T6 body of 620 N, 70...
  15. C

    Resultant Force Acting On Springs : Confused

    Homework Statement Suppose we have 2 insulated metal rods each measuring 40 cm. Now,the 2 metal rods are connected with 3 identical springs each of length 20 cm (force constant 2.0 N/m) in parallel. A current of 20A is passed through each metal rod in opposing directions. What is the extension...
  16. L

    Calculating Resultant Force of Two Forces: 8N and 11N at 30 Degrees

    two forces with a magnitude 8N and 11N act on a large object. The angle between the forces is 30 degrees. Calculate the magnitude of the resultant force. the answer is 18.4 in the back of the book I drew a diagram and made a triangle... i was trying to use the triangle rule but like i...
  17. A

    Resultant Force: 40N in Negative X Direction

    Resultant force? A particle is said to be in static equilibrium if the resultant of all forces is applied to it is zero. Find the force that must be applied to a particle that produces static equilibrium if there are two forces, each of 40N applied so that one acts 60o above the positive x-axis...
  18. P

    Determine the magnitude of the resultant force

    Homework Statement If F_{B} = 5kN and the resultant force acts along the positive u axis, determine the magnitude of the resultant force. The attempt at a solution F_{Rx} = F_{R}cos 30 F_{Ry} = F_{R}sin 30 F_{Rx} = 3 + 5cos\theta F_{Ry} = 5sin\theta Therefore, \frac{3 +...
  19. C

    Is the beam in equilibrium with three forces acting on it?

    A heavy beam is located on two supports, so that there are 3 forces acting on it. The beam is in an equilibrium. There are two forces on top pulling it up and one force pulling it down. The two forces are on each side and the one on its own on the bottom is in the middle pulling down. Am...
  20. C

    Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant force on the object.

    Hey, I have the following question. How do I work this out: There is an object 9N<-----------[OBJECT]--->3N--->4N...[The ---> represent the direction in which the object is being pulled, and the 3N and 4N pull into the same direction. Now its asking me: 1. Calculate the magnitude and direction...
  21. 0

    Is My Calculation of Resultant Force and Acceleration Correct?

    I'm I on the right track here? Homework Statement Determine the resultant force and acceleration for a box of mass 15kg being pushed with a force of 9N and a force of friction 6N acting to oppose.Homework Equations Force = Mass * Acceleration The Attempt at a Solution Force = 9N Resultant...
  22. L

    Statics - Balancing moment and resultant force

    Homework Statement Replace the force system with a resultant and specify where its line of action intersects AB from point B. so I guess the imagine didn't work... http://yfrog.com/htstaticspicp I realize it is very small I apologize for that, if anything in the picture is unclear please let...
  23. W

    Another Magnitude and Direction of resultant force ?

    Another Magnitude and Direction of resultant force ? I'm having issues on the second question. I feel that I'm missing some information. Since the lines are perpendicular do I consider one force (10N) at 90 degrees North? And if this is the case then is the other force (15N) at __ degrees...
  24. K

    Solving Resultant Force: F1+F2+F3 in Standard Polar Form

    Missed a day of school due to a car accident in the blizzard and he went over resultant forces. Have this problem to due and I'm not quite sure on what I would do to solve this. http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/2087/blawu.jpg add the three forces f1 f2 and f3 both analtically and...
  25. R

    Is Gravity a Residual Force from Fundamental Interactions?

    If gravity is miniscule compared to the other three interactions, could it be a kind of resultant 'force' left over from balancing the strong, weak and electromagnetic interactions? One which is then much more detectable on the larger scale, when all these tiny gravitational forces from each...
  26. A

    Electrostatics. finding the resultant force

    anyone can help me out? I've tried but my answer and answer key are differnet! Homework Statement three point charges lie on a straight line. find the resultant force exerted on (a) the -2\muC charge, (b) the 5 \muC charge 1 (5\muC) 2(-2\muC) 3(3 \muC) distance...
  27. F

    Simple, resultant force problem but stuck.

    Homework Statement Determine the height h above the base B at which the resultant of the three forces acts. Homework Equations Rx=F1,x + F2,x + F3,x The Attempt at a Solution Rx=(-300)+650+(-250) Rx=100 but where?! The picture shows the diameter decreasing a tad just under the 650 force...
  28. jegues

    Magnitudes, Resultant Force (missing angle)

    Homework Statement See attachement. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I would be able to solve it if I could somehow find \phi to describe the angle of F3 relative to the positive x axis. Can anyone see how to solve that specific angle? Then and can simply sum as...
  29. L

    Calculating Resultant Force: Understanding the Error

    1. If the resultant force acting on the hook is FR = <-180, 810, 180> what is the magnitude of F? 2. So basically i got F1 which is <240,416,-360> and subtracted this from FR and got vector F2 then i took the square of the components and square rooted getting 789lb. Why is this wrong...
  30. H

    Work: Kinetic Friction + Applied Resultant Force

    Homework Statement The coefficient of kinetic friction between a 20kg box and the floor is 0.40 -> How much work does a pulling force applied 37 degrees above the horizontal do on the box in pulling it 8.0m across the floor at constant speed Homework Equations F(kinetic)= F(normal) x...
  31. D

    How Do You Calculate the Resultant Force in This Vector Problem?

    Hi, I need some guidance regarding this exercise, I attached a visual representation of the exercise Homework Statement Find the Resultant Force for the following system of forces shown FORCES SHOWN on a Vector: F1= 5 kips on the X quadrant in a 60 degree angle F2= 5 kips...
  32. B

    Cosine and Sine rules to get magnitude and direction of a resultant force

    Use the cosine and sine rules to determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant of a force of 11 kN acting at an angle of 50 degrees to the horizontal and a force of 6 kN acting at an angle of -30 degrees to the horizontal. helppp please
  33. Z

    Calculate Resultant Force and Angle of Object at Origin

    Homework Statement An object is at the origin. They're four perpendicular forces acting upon it. In the negative x axis, 18 N. positive x axis, 10 N. negative y axis, 8 N. and positive y-axis 15 N. calculate the resultant force. What angle is it at? Homework Equations F=Ma? The...
  34. D

    Calculate the magnitude, direction and sense of the resultant force

    Hi, I got this problem that I have no idea how to begin, can yo help me please. Calculate the magnitude, direction and sense of the resultant force of the noncurrent force system shown, determine where the resultant intersects the bottom of the shape with respect to Point ADamn I wish I could...
  35. T

    How Do You Calculate the Electrostatic Force Between Two Charged Particles?

    Homework Statement Particle A with a charge of 45 micro Coulombs is located on the x-axis at a point -11 cm from the origin. Particle B with a charge of 41 micro Coulombs is located on the y-axis at a point +68 cm from the origin. What is the magnitude of the electrostatic force that Particle...
  36. R

    Four charges in a plane. Finding the resultant Force

    Homework Statement Homework Equations kq1q1/r^2 k being 8.98755 x 10^9 The Attempt at a Solution I found the 3 forces between the 3 charges using the above equation. I split up the forces into x and y compnents. Added the sum of the y's and the x's. Used Pythagorean theorem...
  37. L

    Pressure and Resultant Force in a Closed System

    Homework Statement Figure shows cross sections of three hollow objects two of which have openings closed with a soft rubber membrane R ,and the other without an opening just floating inside three bottles of water labelled A,B and C.(sorry I've missed the labels in the diagram.A,B and C are the...
  38. L

    Resultant Force on a Conical Flask Filled with Liquid

    Homework Statement A conical flask contains a liquid of density \rho to a height 'h'. If the area of the base of the flask is A and V is the volume of the liquid in the flask,then the resultant force acting on the curved surface is, 1) h\rhogA - V\rhog horizontally 2) h\rhogA - V\rhog...
  39. A

    How do I find the line of action of this resultant force?

    Three forces are applied to a body. They are : F1 = (4,5) applied at (1,2) F2 = (2,-1) applied at (3,-1) F3 = (-3, 2) applied at (-2,1) i) Find the resultant force Answer : R = (3,6) ii) Find the total moment about the origin (This i know how to do) iii) The line of...
  40. N

    How Do You Calculate the Resultant Force on a Mass on an Inclined Plane?

    The diagram shows a smooth wooden board 30cm long. One end is raised 15cm above the other. A 100g mass is placed on the board. The two forces acting on the 100 g mass are shown in the free-body force diagram. what is the magnitude of the resultant force?
  41. O

    What is the average resultant force on a truck making a 90 degree turn?

    Homework Statement a 3000 kg truck traveling at a speed of 4.0 m/s makes a 90 degree turn in a time of 5.0 s and emerges from this turn with a speed of 7.0 m/s. what is the magnitude of the average resultant force on the truck during this turn? Homework Equations The Attempt at a...
  42. M

    No resultant force means no external force?

    Hmm. I'm quite confused with this: Does no resultant force means no external force? i.e. if there is an external force, there is a resultant force? Like say, sand falls onto a moving conveyor belt at the rate of 5.00 kg/s. The conveyor belt is supported by frictionless rollers and moves...
  43. D

    Statics: two unknown angles and resultant force

    Homework Statement Two forces P and Q with respective magnitudes 100N and 200N are applied to the upper corner of a crate. The sum of the two forces is to the right (+x direction) with a magnitude of 250N. Find the angles that P and Q make with their sum - that is, with the horizontal line...
  44. S

    Solving a Two-Dog Pulling Problem: Magnitude & Angle of Resultant Force

    Two dogs pull horizontally on ropes attached to a post; the angle between the ropes is 59.0 degrees. Dog A exerts a force of 254 N and dog B exerts a force of 328 N. Find the magnitude of the resultant force. Find the angle the resultant force makes with dog A's rope. I'm having...
  45. S

    Help finding resultant force and angle

    Homework Statement hi everyone! okay so i have a few questions that i worked on. the question is, FIND THE RESULTANT FORCE AND ANGLE FOR THE FOLLOWING HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL FORCES: A.) 250N, 350, B. 1000N, 2000N C 2.00KN, 1.00KN D 25 N, -35 N E. -10 N, -20N F -5KN, 15 KN Homework...
  46. E

    Resultant force in equilateral triangle

    Homework Statement point p,charge Q1,Q2 are on the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 1.0m.find the resultant force acting on a charge of +2c placed at P a)when Q1=-5c,Q2=+5c b)when Q1=-5c,Q2=-5c
  47. K

    What is the Resultant Force of Three Engine Thrust Vectors?

    Homework Statement If engine 3 suddenly fails, determine the resultant of the three remaining engine thrust vectors, each of which has a magnitude of 90kN. Specify the y and z-coordinates of the point through which the line of action of the resultant passes. The Attempt at a Solution...
  48. A

    Finding magnitude and direction of resultant force

    Homework Statement A rocket fires two engines simultaneously. One produces a thrust of 725 N directly forward, while the other gives a 513-N thrust at 32.4° above the forward direction. Find the magnitude and direction (relative to the forward direction) of the resultant force that these...
  49. M

    Why Can't the Resultant Force Be 0.5N When Two Forces Act on an Object?

    Hello everyone. :) I encountered this question during my revision and can't remember how I got it correct. "A force of 3.0N and a force of 4.0N act on an object at the same time. Which of the forces cannot be the resultant force on the object?" There are 4 options (0.5N, 3.5N, 4.0N...
  50. L

    What is the resultant force and what is its consequent acceleration?

    [SOLVED] What is the resultant force and what is its consequent acceleration? Homework Statement http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/4810/assignment503ij5.png What is the resultant force acting on the object in the figure, and what is its consequent acceleration? Homework Equations F = m.a...
Back
Top