How to Calculate Resultant Vector using Parallelogram Law of Forces - Definition,

Formula, Example

Definition:
Parallelogram is a schematic figure with two set of similar sides. Parallelogram Law of Forces states that if any two given
forces acting at a point are indicated in magnitude and direction by the two contiguous sides of a parallelogram, then their
outcome is signified in magnitude and direction by the diagonal passing through the point, where magnitude specifies the
vectors size or quantity and direction specifies how the vector is directed from one location to another.

Formula:

Where,

R = Magnitude of resultant vector

α = Direction of resultant vector
P = Magnitude of vector P
Q = Magnitude of vector Q
θ = Angle between two vectors

Example :
Consider that in a parallelogram, the magnitude of a vector P as 3N, another magnitude of vector Q as 4N and angle
between two vectors is 30 degrees. Calculate the resultant force vector using parallelogram law of forces

Given,
Magnitude of vector [P] = 3N,
Magnitude of vector [Q] = 4N,
Angle = 30 degrees

To find,
Resultant force vector using parallelogram law of forces

Step 1:

Substitute the value of P and Q in the formula,

2 2
R = √3 + 4 + (2 x 3 x 4 x cos(30))
R = √9 + 16 + 20.7846
R = 6.77N

Step 2:

Let us now calculate the value of α.

tan α = (4 x sin 30) / ( 3 + 4 cos 30)
tan α = 4 x 0.5 / (3 + ( 4 x 0.866))
tan α = 0.309405941
α = tan -1 (0.309405941)
α = 17.2 o