Question

What happens when two forces act in the same direction?

Answer 1

In order to solve this question, we are going to first explain that if the two forces are in the same direction, how they are acting on an object and how they give the resultant force and the magnitude of the resultant force. Then, the properties of the two forces are discussed.

Formula used: If there are two forces ${f_1}$and${f_2}$, that are acting in the same direction, then their resultant sum is
$F = {f_1} + {f_2}$

Complete step-by-step solution:
When two forces act on an object in the same direction, they add up in order to give a resultant large force. The magnitude of the forces also add up to produce a resultant that is equal to the sum of the two forces acting in the same direction.
If there are two forces ${f_1}$and${f_2}$, that are acting in the same direction, then their resultant sum is
$F = {f_1} + {f_2}$
Properties of forces acting in the same direction:
1. Their dot product is equal to the product of their magnitudes.
2. Their cross product is zero.
3. The work done by them is more than the work done by a single force.
4. These two forces in the same direction make the object displace in the same direction as that of the force.
5. These two forces can never produce any torque.

Note: It is important to note that the resultant force is one single force which has the same impact as two or more forces acting together. The two forces acting in the same direction produce a resultant force that is larger than either individual force. They act in a similar way as two parallel vectors.