Parallelogram of Force

Parallelogram Of Force

The parallelogram of forces is a method for solving (or visualizing) the results of applying two forces to an object.

When more than two forces are involved, the geometry is no longer parallelogrammatic, but the same principles apply. Forces, being vectors are observed to obey the laws of vector addition, and so the overall (resultant) force due to the application of a number of forces can be found geometrically by drawing vector arrows for each force. For example, see Figure 1. This construction has the same result as moving F2 so its tail coincides with the head of F1, and taking the net force as the vector joining the tail of F1 to the head of F2. This procedure can be repeated to add F3 to the resultant F1 + F2, and so forth.

Read more about Parallelogram Of Force:  Controversy

Famous quotes containing the word force:

    March indefatigably on,
    And for the last effect
    Still keep thy Sword erect:
    Besides the force it has to fright
    The Spirits of the shady Night;
    The same Arts that did gain
    A Pow’r must it maintain.
    Andrew Marvell (1621–1678)