Two like parallel forces acting on a rod, 15 N and 5 N are separated by a distance of 4 m. What is the magnitude, direction and point of application of the resultant?

Explanation

Let A and B be the two parallel forces acting at points M and N, respectively.
The magnitude of the resultant force is given by,
R = A + B
= 15 N + 5 N = 20 N
The direction of the resultant is same as that of the two forces.
Let the position of the resultant R be at O, at a distance x from M.
We have
`A xx MO=BxxNo`
`15xx x = 5 xx (4-x)`
`15x=20-5x`
` 20x=20`
`:. x = 1 m`