FORM 4: 2.9 ANALYSING FORCES IN EQUILIBRIUM

THE MEANING OF RESULTANT FORCE

A resultant force is a single force that can represent the combined effect of two or more forces in magnitude and direction.

TWO FORCES THAT ACT ALONG THE SAME DIRECTION

Resultant force, F = F₁ + F₂

TWO FORCES THAT ACT IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Resultant force, F = F₁ - F₂

TWO FORCES ACTING AT A POINT AT AN ANGLE TO EACH OTHER

RESOLUTION OF FORCES

A force can be resolved into two perpendicular components.

Horizontal component of force, F_x = F cosθ

Vertical component of force, F_y = F sinθ

FORCES IN EQUILIBRIUM

R = W cosθ

F = W sinθ