Are resultant force and total force the same?

AI Thread Summary
Resultant force and total force are not the same; resultant force refers to the average force acting on an area, while total force accounts for the cumulative effect of pressure across the entire surface. The discussion highlights a homework problem involving the calculation of total force on a wall due to water pressure and the location of the center of pressure. Participants emphasize the need for clarity in relevant equations and suggest that questions should be placed in the problem statement or solution attempt. Additionally, there are issues with image accessibility, as shared links require login credentials. Clear communication and proper formatting are essential for effective problem-solving in physics discussions.
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Homework Statement


The wall shown in Fig. 4.28 is 20 ft long. Calculate the
total force on the wall due to water pressure and locate the
center of pressure

Homework Equations


Are resultant force and total force the same?

The Attempt at a Solution


I think they are not the same because resultant force is the same as average force right?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xy5bk0ldazkqqvp/Untitled.png?dl=0
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4Cll-5ugpLtbTN0MHVTQmhYTXM/view?usp=drive_web https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4Cll-5ugpLtbTN0MHVTQmhYTXM
 
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What are your relevant equations? Right now you've put a question in the relevant equations section. A question is not a relevant equation. Questions belong in the problem statement, or sometimes in the attempt at a solution if you reach a point where you question a step you've attempted or need a clarification on a step.

Your image is not viewable; Apparently your dropbox content is not accessible publicly (a login is required). Can you UPLOAD your image instead?
 
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