Question

If \(\mathbf{F}_{1}\) and \(\mathbf{F}_{2}\) are two forces acting on an object, the vector sum \(\mathbf{F}_{1}+\mathbf{F}_{2}\) is called the _____ force.

Short answer

resultant

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Vector Addition

In vector mechanics, when multiple forces act upon a single object, their combined effect is often analyzed. This involves calculating the resulting force.

Define Vector Sum

The combined effect of multiple forces can be determined by adding the vectors. The vector sum of \( \mathbf{F}_{1} + \mathbf{F}_{2} \) involves adding their respective components.

Naming the Resultant Force

The vector sum \( \mathbf{F}_{1} + \mathbf{F}_{2} \) is commonly referred to as the resultant force. This resultant force represents the overall effect of the two forces acting together on the object.

Key concepts

resultant force

When multiple forces act upon an object, understanding the combined effect of these forces is essential in vector mechanics. This combined effect is known as the resultant force. To determine the resultant force, we need to perform vector addition, which involves adding the corresponding components of each force vector.
For instance, if \(\mathbf{F}_{1}\) and \(\mathbf{F}_{2}\) are two forces acting on an object, their combined effect, or resultant force, is represented by \(\mathbf{F}_{1} + \mathbf{F}_{2}\). This resultant force gives a single force that has the same effect on the object as the two individual forces acting together. By calculating the resultant force, we simplify the problem and can more easily predict the motion and behavior of the object.

vector mechanics

Vector mechanics is the branch of physics and engineering that deals with vectors, especially vector quantities like forces. In vector mechanics, understanding how different forces interact is vital.
Forces are vectors because they have both magnitude and direction. In real-world scenarios, objects often experience multiple forces from different directions and magnitudes. To analyze these effectively, we use vector addition to find the resultant force. By representing forces as vectors, we can use principles of vector mechanics to solve complex problems involving motion and equilibrium.
One of the fundamentals is breaking vectors into their components along standard axes, usually the x and y axes. Once in component form, adding vectors involves summing their respective components, simplifying the process of determining the resultant vector.

force vectors

Force vectors are used to visually and mathematically represent forces acting on an object. Each vector has a magnitude (how strong the force is) and a direction (where the force is pushing or pulling).
To perform vector addition:

• Draw each force vector according to its magnitude and direction.
• Break each vector into its horizontal (x) and vertical (y) components if necessary.
• Add the corresponding components of the vectors: sum all x-components to get the resultant x-component, and sum all y-components to get the resultant y-component.
• Combine these resultant components to form the resultant vector.

The resultant vector gives a clear and simplified representation of the combined effects of all the acting forces. This process helps us understand how objects will move or stay in equilibrium under the influence of several forces.