1. What is Horizontal Force?

Horizontal force (Fₕ) is the component of a force vector that acts parallel to the horizontal surface. When a force is applied at an angle, it can be resolved into horizontal and vertical components using trigonometric functions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the horizontal force formula:

Where:

• \( F_h \) — Horizontal force component (N)
• \( F \) — Magnitude of the applied force (N)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between the force vector and horizontal plane (degrees)

Explanation: The cosine function extracts the horizontal component of the force vector by projecting it onto the horizontal axis.

3. Importance of Horizontal Force Calculation

Details: Calculating horizontal force is essential in physics and engineering for analyzing motion, structural design, and understanding how forces affect objects on inclined planes or when applied at angles.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the force magnitude in newtons (N) and the angle in degrees (0-90°). The calculator will compute the horizontal component of the force.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens when the angle is 0 degrees?
A: At 0 degrees, the entire force is horizontal, so Fₕ = F (since cos(0) = 1).

Q2: What happens when the angle is 90 degrees?
A: At 90 degrees, there is no horizontal component, so Fₕ = 0 (since cos(90) = 0).

Q3: Can the horizontal force be greater than the applied force?
A: No, the horizontal component is always less than or equal to the applied force magnitude.

Q4: What is the vertical force component?
A: The vertical component is calculated as Fᵥ = F sin θ, where sin is the sine function.

Q5: Where is this calculation used in real life?
A: Used in engineering for bridge design, physics for projectile motion, construction for ramp analysis, and mechanical systems for force optimization.