1. What is Tangential Force?

Tangential force (F_T) is the component of a force that acts perpendicular to the position vector, typically causing rotational motion or acting along the tangent to a path. It's calculated from the total force and the angle at which it's applied.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the tangential force formula:

Where:

• \( F_T \) — Tangential force (N)
• \( F \) — Total applied force (N)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between force vector and radial direction (degrees)

Explanation: The sine function extracts the component of the force that is perpendicular to the radial direction, which is the tangential component responsible for causing rotation.

3. Importance of Tangential Force Calculation

Details: Calculating tangential force is essential in mechanical engineering, physics, and various applications involving rotational systems, torque calculation, and analyzing circular motion dynamics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total force in newtons (N) and the angle in degrees. The angle should be between 0° and 360°. All values must be valid (force > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between tangential and radial force?
A: Tangential force acts perpendicular to the radius and causes rotation, while radial force acts along the radius toward or away from the center.

Q2: When is tangential force maximum?
A: Tangential force is maximum when the angle θ is 90° (sin90° = 1), meaning the force is applied perfectly perpendicular to the radial direction.

Q3: What happens when θ = 0°?
A: When θ = 0°, the force is purely radial (sin0° = 0), resulting in zero tangential force component.

Q4: Can tangential force be negative?
A: Yes, tangential force can be negative, indicating direction opposite to the chosen positive rotational direction.

Q5: How is tangential force related to torque?
A: Torque (τ) equals tangential force multiplied by the radius (τ = F_T × r), making tangential force calculation fundamental for torque analysis.