In physics, resistance force is the force which an effort force must overcome in order to do work on an object via a simple machine. Resistance force, like most other forces, is measured in newtons or in pounds-force.
For an ideal (frictionless) mechanism in which no energy is lost, resistance force obeys the relation:
where:
- R equals resistance force
- DR equals resistance distance
- E equals effort force
- DE equals effort distance
Resistance force is used to calculate the work output using the following equation:
Famous quotes containing the words resistance and/or force:
“He made no resistance whatever, and was stabbed in the back.... I must not dwell upon the fearful repast.... Words have no power to impress the mind with the exquisite horror of their reality.”
—Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849)
“The primacy of the word, basis of the human psyche, that has in our age been used for mind-bending persuasion and brain-washing pulp, disgraced by Goebbels and debased by advertising copy, remains a force for freedom that flies out between all bars.”
—Nadine Gordimer (b. 1923)