Description
Evaluate supplied force work F*s*cos(angle); a force or displacement of zero still has an explicitly supplied angular sign factor.
A mechanics calculation needs a coordinate frame, sign convention, and consistent force, length, mass, and time units. Vector projections, local balance terms, and ideal motion equations describe particular parts of a physical model. They do not automatically establish all equilibrium conditions or the validity of the model.
Evaluate supplied force work F*s*cos(angle); a force or displacement of zero still has an explicitly supplied angular sign factor.
When to use this tool
Use Friction Work Sign Factor when you need this particular projection, balance, frame conversion, or ideal-model component from supplied physical quantities.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter forceMagnitude, displacementMagnitude, angleRadians. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read work, sign. Use the output convention below.
For nonnegative forceMagnitude and displacementMagnitude return work=force*displacement*cos(angleRadians) and sign=sign(cos(angleRadians)).1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| forceMagnitude | Force Magnitude | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| displacementMagnitude | Displacement Magnitude | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| angleRadians | Angle in radians under the stated orientation convention. | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| work | Work | Required. Finite number. |
| sign | Sign of the cosine factor, even if force or displacement is zero. | Required. Safe integer. |
{
"input": {
"forceMagnitude": 5,
"displacementMagnitude": 2,
"angleRadians": 3.141592653589793
},
"output": {
"work": -10,
"sign": -1
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The angle is radians between force and displacement. Sign describes the cosine even if force or displacement is zero; near perpendicular angles use floating-point cosine without a tolerance. No friction law is inferred.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Signed zero is exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use a complete force, motion, or energy model when a single contribution is insufficient. Check coordinate frames, idealizations, and dimensional consistency before combining calculated terms.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Lever Equilibrium Single Force Residual
Sum explicitly signed planar lever moments; arm signs establish the torque convention.
- Linear Drag Terminal Force Residual
Compare a supplied velocity against the terminal balance of a constant force and linear signed drag.