GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Simple Resultant Force Calculations

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Forces Forces and their interactions

Simple Resultant Force Calculations

3:06 Weight and Resultant Forces
Spec 4.5.1.4
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  • When two forces act in the same direction, the resultant force is in the same direction.
  • Example: Two people pushing the same box results in a force to the right.
  • The magnitude of the resultant force is the sum of the individual forces (fa + fb).
  • Example: A ball pushed by a 5 Newton force and pulled by a 3 Newton force results in an 8 Newton force to the right.
  • When forces act in opposite directions, the resultant force is in the direction of the stronger force.
  • Example: Two people pushing a box in opposite directions results in a force in the direction of the larger force.
  • The magnitude of the resultant force is the difference between the individual forces (FA - fb).
  • If forces are equal in opposite directions, the resultant force is zero, resulting in no motion.
  • GCSE students are not expected to find resultant forces not aligned with given forces.
  • Example: A parachutist with a 650 Newton downward force and an 800 Newton upward force results in a 150 Newton upward force, slowing the parachutist down.

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