Force Composition
Compute resultant magnitude and direction of two concurrent forces P, Q at angle α using the parallelogram law (law of cosines).
Inputs
Formula
R = √(P² + Q² + 2PQ cosα); β = atan(Q·sinα/(P + Q cosα))
How to use
- Fill in Force P, Force Q, Angle α in the Inputs section (watch the unit on each field).
- Click Calculate; the tool evaluates the formula shown above.
- Read Resultant R, Direction β in the results area.
Formula notesForce composition (angle θ): R = √(F₁²+F₂²+2·F₁·F₂·cosθ); angle tanφ = F₂·sinθ/(F₁+F₂·cosθ).