How do you calculate net force?
Quick Answer
To calculate the net force, or unbalanced force, of a Newtonian object, find the sum of all forces presently acting upon it. These include gravity, friction and other forces depending on the scenario. You need only a few figures and computations to calculate an object's net force, which is required for acceleration and is expressed in Newtons.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Draw a free-body diagram of your object
To help keep track of the forces involved, create a free-body diagram, which is a simple sketch of the object and the forces acting upon it. Draw a rough diagram of the object, and then use arrows to indicate the direction of each force.
Identify the forces
Identify the forces acting on your object. Note that some forces cancel each other out and have no bearing on your total Newtonian net force. Forces are identified according to the condition, environment and behavior of an object.
Add these forces together
Find the sum of these relevant forces by applying their force, in Newtons, to your diagram. Forces moving toward the right in the free-body diagram are considered positive forces, and those moving toward the left are negative. Add the forces together. The result is the Newtonian net force.
Related Questions
-
Q:
How is net force on an object calculated?
A: The net force on an object is calculated by combining the different forces being exerted on the object if the forces are on the same axis. When more than o... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the parallelogram law of forces?
A: The parallelogram law of forces is a method of determining the resulting force when two vectors act on an object. If both vectors have the same origin, the... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the equation for the net external force?
A: The equation for net external force is the sum of all the external forces applied to the object. For example, a compilation of common external forces is fr... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is a form of mechanical energy?
A: Mechanical energy is the sum of all the forces acting on or in a system as a result of its chemical state (chemical-potential), relative position (potentia... Full Answer >Filed Under:
