GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Resultant Force

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Forces Forces and their interactions

Resultant Force

2:33 Resultant Force
Spec 4.5.1.2 4.5.1.4
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  • Forces are vector quantities with both magnitude and direction.
  • Forces can be represented as arrows, with the arrow's direction showing the force's direction and its length indicating the force's strength.
  • The resultant force is the single force that has the same effect as all forces acting together on an object.
  • When two forces act in the same direction, they create a larger resultant force.
  • If a second person pushes a box in the same direction, the resultant force increases due to combined forces.
  • When two forces act in opposite directions, they create a smaller resultant force.
  • If a second person pushes a box in the opposite direction, the resultant force decreases, and the larger force prevails.
  • Most systems have multiple forces acting on them simultaneously.
  • Example 1: A falling apple experiences gravity pulling it down and air resistance pushing it up. The apple falls with a smaller resultant force than its weight due to gravity being the larger force.
  • Example 2: An accelerating moped has a driving force from the engine opposed by friction and other resistive forces. The resultant force allows acceleration but slower than without resistive forces.
  • To maintain a constant speed, the driving force must balance the friction.
  • Understanding and explaining how forces interact and describing the resultant force is important for exams.

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