Resultant force
What Resultant force means in Mathematics A-Level, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel, WJEC.
Definitions of Resultant force
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Reference: AQA
The overall force found by identifying all forces and resolving if needed; when it is zero, acceleration is zero, and when it is not, motion changes.
The single force found by adding forces component-wise, or by subtracting opposing forces, before applying F = ma.
A single force representing the combined effect of multiple forces acting on a particle in a plane.
The single force that has the same effect as all the original forces combined.
The vector sum produced when multiple forces act simultaneously on a particle.
The single force equivalent to the vector sum of all forces acting on a particle.
Topics that use Resultant force
- R: Forces and Newton’s laws (AQA A-Level)
- Forces and Newton’s laws (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Vectors (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Forces and Newton’s laws (A2 Unit 4: Applied Mathematics B) (WJEC A-Level)
- Forces and Newton’s laws (AS Unit 2: Applied Mathematics A) (WJEC A-Level)
Related terms
- coefficient of friction
- Equilibrium
- force
- limiting equilibrium
- Newton's first law
- Newton's second law
- Newton’s third law
- normal reaction
Using Resultant force in the exam
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