Resultant
rɪˈzʌltənt
Definitions
2 meaningsOccurring or existing as a consequence of something else.
rɪˈzʌltənt
Being a consequence of a process or action.
The resultant damage from the storm was extensive.
💡 Simply: Imagine you add ingredients in a recipe. The 'resultant' flavor is what you get *after* you mix everything together. It's the *final* flavor!
👶 For kids: It means something happened because of something else.
More Examples
The resultant product of the chemical reaction was water.
The resultant effect of his actions was isolation from his friends.
How It's Used
"The resultant force acting on the object determines its acceleration."
"The resultant vector of these two forces is clearly shown on the graph."
"The resultant effect of the new policy was a significant increase in unemployment."
The single vector that is equivalent to the combined effect of two or more vectors.
rɪˈzʌltənt
The vector sum of two or more vectors.
The resultant of the forces was a movement to the right.
💡 Simply: Imagine a tug-of-war. The 'resultant' force is where the rope moves in the end. It's what wins.
👶 For kids: It's like when you push something with a bunch of friends, and it only moves one way.
More Examples
Calculating the resultant is key to understanding the motion of the object.
The resultant vector can be determined graphically or through mathematical methods.
How It's Used
"The resultant is a single vector representing the combined effect of several forces."
"We use the resultant to calculate the net effect of the forces acting on an object."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Middle French *résultant*, present participle of *résulter* ('to result'), from Latin *resultare* ('to spring back, rebound'), from *re-* ('back') + *salire* ('to jump').
Historically, the word 'resultant' has appeared in scientific and legal contexts, often to describe consequences or outcomes.
Memory tip
Think of 'result' and 'ant' (like 'elephant'). If something is the resultant, it’s the outcome, what's left after the action.
Word Origin
"to spring back, rebound"