Topic: Engineering Mechanics
Four forces of magnitudes 20 N, 40N, 60 N and 80 N are acting respectively along the four sides of a square ABCD as shown in figure. The magnitude of resultant is
- A. 40√2 N
- B. 50√2 N
- C. 45√2 N
- D. 60√2 N
Answer: A. 40√2 N
Explanation: Summing the forces in the horizontal direction yields net horizontal force = -60 N + 20 N = -40 N. Summing the forces in the vertical direction yields net vertical force = 40 N - 80 N = -40 N. The magnitude of the resultant force 'F' is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem: F = $\sqrt{(-40}$^2 + (-40)^2) = 40√2 N.