Experiment 1: Resolution of Vectors

Alejo, J.T.a, Caliwag, A.a, Carlos, J.a, Casenas, J.a Cabrera, R.M.b (a) Group 1B, PHY10L (A5), A.Y. 2013-2014:Q1, Department of Physics, Mapua Institute of Technology Intramuros, Manila (b) Faculty, Department of Physics, Mapua Institute of Technology Intramuros, Manila

Abstract: The scope of the experiment is within the analysis of vectors both theoretically and experimentally and how they are compared to one another. Also, the First Condition of Equilibrium is included in the range of the experiment by which it serves as a guide in determining the relationships of given vectors and the resultant vector. The theoretical aspect of the experiment is about the resolution of the Resultant Vector through the use of Component Method. The experimental part is done through the use of Polygon (Graphical) Method and through the use of Force Table. The goal of the experiment is to know which of the method is the accurate, efficient, and convenient with regards to the findings of the result. In Polygon Method, percentage errors on values of R ranges from 0.95% to 3.08% and angle ranges from 0.31% to 0.32%. In Component Method, percentage errors on values of R ranges from 0.50% to 1.91% and angle ranges from 0.02% to 0.05%.

1. Introduction
Physical quantities are integral in the study of Physics. These quantities are distinguished based on their magnitude and direction. When a quantity contains only magnitude such as mass, distance, and time, it is considered as a Scalar Quantity. Most of the time, these quantities, together with their magnitude, are not enough to solve a problem in Physics. When a quantity contains both magnitude and direction, the quantity is considered as a Vector Quantity. Example of Vector Quantity are displacement, velocity, acceleration, and force. Vectors can be added and/or subtracted. When the vectors are combined (whether by addition or subtraction), the produced vector is defined as the Resultant. The direction of the Resultant Vector can be reversed and when the direction of the Resultant Vector is opposed to the original, it is now called as Equilibrant. Nevertheless, although Resultant and Equilibrant are of the opposite direction, they both have the same magnitude [3].

In finding the resultant, various method are used. The experiment consists of two parts; the Polygon Method (a Graphical approach) and Component Method (an Analytical approach). However, an experimental approach is introduced as an alternative way of finding the resultant in the experiment and it is through the use of the Force Table. In the Force Table Method, finding the resultant is obtained through trial and error by which different strings and mass hangers are manipulated in order for the ring to be in centered. A new concept is introduced in finding the resultant in relation on as to why the ring is needed to be centered. The concept is based on the First Condition of Equilibrium which defines as vector sum of all the forces acting on a body [1].

2. Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

Vectors are important in resolution of physical quantities such as displacement, velocity, and force. By resolution, it means decomposing a vector into component in the respective axes. In the experiment, resolution of vectors is found by three methods namely the Polygon Method, Component Method, and Experimental (Force Table) Method. 2a. Polygon Method The Polygon Method (otherwise known as Head-to-Tail Method) is the method of finding the resultant vector graphically. A protractor, a ruler, and a drawing instrument are used to draw and as well as measure the magnitude and direction of given vectors and also the resultant vector [6]. Fig. 1 shows the Polygon Method

Figure 1. Polygon Method [6] The vectors F1, F2, and F3 are drawn and the resultant is traced from the initial point (starting point of F1) up to the terminal point of F3. The resultant is geometrically drawn the tail lies on the initial point and the arrow-head lies on the terminal point.

After the sketching of the vectors, the magnitude of the resultant is measured using a ruler and its direction/angle is measured using a protractor. 2b. Component Method In the component method, finding the resultant is solved using an analytical approach. Concepts of Summation of Components, Finding the Magnitude using Pythagorean Theorem, and Finding the Angle of the Resultant using Inverse Tangent Function are used to find the resultant vector. 2bi. Summations of Components A vector is composed of components. In a 2-dimensional perspective, a vector contains x and y components. The z-component of a vector is added in a 3-dimensional perspective. In the experiment, we only focus on vectors in 2-dimensional plane [4]. The following figure shows the graphical analysis of the components of a vector in a plane.

Figure 2. Analysis of Components [4] Based from the figure, the x and y components of vector can be derived and their equations are as follows: = cos = sin (1a) (1b)

While the method is used in finding the x and y components of a vector, it can also be used on finding the resultant vector by summing up the components of the given vectors [3]. The equation for the summation of components are of the following: = 1 + 2 + 3 + = 1 + 2 + 3 + (2a) (2b)

2bii. Magnitude of the Resultant Since the resultant is a vector, it also has components. The components of the resultant are the sum of the x and y-components of the given vectors. Its x-component is Eq.(3) and its y-component is Eq.(4). By using the components of the resultant, Eq. (3) and Eq. (4), its magnitude can then be derived and its equation is based on Pythagorean Theorem [3]. = ( )2 + ( ) 2biii. Direction of the Resultant The direction or the angle of the resultant can be derived based on the concept of right triangle wherein the Tangent function of the angle is equal to the ratio of its y and xcomponent. Again, we will use Eq. (2a) and Eq. (2b) as the components of the resultant [3]. tan = ( )
2

(3)

(4)

To get, the angle, we transform Eq. (4) into: = tan1 ( )

(5)

Take note that the angle might vary because of the location of the x and ycomponents in different quadrants. Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 x-component + + y-component + + Table 1. Components in Quadrants 2c. Force Table Experimental Method The Force Table is a circular instrument composed of 4 strings each with a certain mass and center ring by which all of the strings are attached on the center. The concepts behind the experiment is to (1) demonstrate the First Condition of Equilibrium; that if the ring is centered, all the forces that are acting on it are zero and (2) the missing resultant is the equilibrant of sum of the other vectors [2]. The theories and concepts in this section will all be useful in the experiment finding the resultant/missing vector in a given problem by using different methods. Further, in the end of the experiment, we will learn as to which of the method is the accurate, efficient, or practical on finding the resultant vector.

3. Materials and Methods

The materials used in this experiment Resolution of Vectors are the following: 1 pc. Force table - is a common physics laboratory apparatus that has three (or more) chains or cables attached to a center ring. The chains or cables exert forces upon the center ring in three different directions. Typically the experimenter adjusts the direction of the three forces, makes measurements of the amount of force in each direction, and determines the vector sum of three forces. 4 pcs. Super pulley with clamp - makes set-up and alignment easy. 4 pcs. Mass Hanger use to contain the different weights. 1 set Slotted Mass - are used in student lab classes, to teach physics and other sciences. The slots allow them to be placed on weight hangers, which are lightweight platforms attached to a thin rod with a hook at the top. Various masses are added to the hanger to create the desired amount of total mass (standard masses are 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 gram), then the combination is hung by the hooked end from a string or other support point 1 pc. Protractor - An instrument for measuring angles, typically in the form of a flat semicircle marked with degrees along the curved edge.

Figure 3. Setting-up of Force Table Experiment We were oriented that we should take utmost care on the super pulleys to avoid damages. We were advised to ask the instructor for ideal masses of the hanger to be used.

Methodology Preparation of Materials Setting Up the Equipment

Attach a hanger at the end of each string.

Assemble the 4 Pulleys

Adjust the angle of the strings

Record the mass on each string

Determine the resultant of the three Perform another trial by repeating vectors. the procedures. Figure 3. Methodology of the Experiment Fig. 3 shows the step by step process on how the experiment was done. We should always remember to follow these steps carefully to obtain accurate results. The first step is to set up the force table and assemble the four pulleys for the system. Secondly, attach a hanger at the end each string and suspend a mass on each hanger. Next that we did was the adjustment of the angle of the strings until the ring is at the center. Then, pull the ring slightly to one side and observe if the ring returns to the center. Once the balance or the equilibrium is obtained, record the mass of each string and its angles respectively. Lastly, determine the resultant force by component method and the polygon method. Repeat steps for another trial.

4. Results and Discussion

In this experiment, our task is to determine the resultant of the three vectors using two different methods, polygon and component. We are to compare the results of the two methods used. We have also computed the percent error based on our data. With this, we have been able to come up with sets of data gathered from our experiment.

Actual Values Trial 1 30g F1 40g F2 45g F3 65g F4 1 45o 2 115o 3 190o 4 309o Table 2. Actual Values Actual R=F4 = 65g Polygon Method 63g 310o % error (polygon method) 3.08% 0.32%

Trial 2 40g 60g 85g 105g 45o 115o 190o 45o

Trial 1

Actual = 309o Component Method 63.76g 308.86o % error (component method) 1.91% 0.05%

COMPUTED VALUES R

Table 3. Trial 1 of the Experiment

Trial 2

Actual R=F4 = 105g Polygon Method % error Component (polygon Method method) 104g 0.95% 105.53g o 0.31% 319 319.95o Table 4. Trial 2 of the Experiment

Actual = 320o % error (component method) 0.50% 0.02%

COMPUTE D VALUES R

Based from the results, the percentage error for the R of Polygon Method ranges from 0.95% to 3.08% while its angle ranges from 0.31% to 0.32%. Meanwhile, the percentage error for the R of Component Method ranges from 0.50% to 1.91% and its angle ranges from 0.02% to 0.05%. We can notice that the ranges in errors of R and angle of Component Method is lower than the ranges in errors of R and angle of Polygon Method. We can say that finding the resultant of a vector is more accurate when we are using the Component Method.

5. Conclusion and Recommendation

We can now conclude that the methods of finding resultant vectors from given vectors have different characteristics. The Component Method is the more accurate method that is used in finding resultant vectors because of its lower percentage errors. Meanwhile, the Polygon Method is the more efficient because doing it requires less effort. You just use the ruler and protractor to measure the magnitude and the direction of the vector. Among the three, the Force Table (Experimental) Method is the most practical since you do a trial and error and you are actually measure and test the directions and masses in the table. Further, the First Condition of Equilibrium is not to be neglected because of its principle that is constant to every vectors that the sum of vectors in a system is equal to zero. If not for this principle, the resolution of vectors will be difficult and almost impossible. We recommend that for those who will do this experiment that be careful on all the methods. Lessen the mistake in sketching the vectors in Polygon Method, avoid careless computations in Component Method, and handle the Force Table with care for if these precautions are not followed, errors will surely rise.

References
[1] Andrews University. (n.d.). Applied Physics Experiment 3: Vector Addition of Forces . Retrieved from http://www.andrews.edu/phys/courses/p131/manual/experiment3.html [2] Davis, D. (2002). First Condition of Equilibrium. Retrieved from Eastern Illinois University: http://www.ux1.eiu.edu/~cfadd/1150/08Statics/first.html [3] Mapua Institute of Technology - Department of Physics. (n.d.). Laboratory Manual , General Physics 1. Experiment101 RESOLUTION OF FORCES. [4] Resnick, H. &. (2011). Fundamentals of Physics 9th Edition. [5] The Physics Classroom. (n.d.). Vectors: Motion and Forces in Two Dimensions Lesson 3. Retrieved from The Physics Classroom: http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/vectors/U3l3a.cfm [6] The University of Oklahoma. (n.d.). The Head-to-Tail Method. Retrieved from http://www.nhn.ou.edu/walkup/demonstrations/WebTutorials/HeadToTailMethod .htm

Appendix A: Application
Whenever there is direction and magnitude, there is vector. Even from the distance that we travel every day, from the signals that our laptops receive from Wi-Fi, the electric current that we utilize in our everyday necessities all of these are applications of vectors. Almost everything that has Physics has vector and it would not be a surprise because Vector is a special language of Physics.

Application 1. Typhoons both have magnitude and direction. Meteorologists use vectors in order to trace the path of a typhoon. (Image courtesy of PAGASA)

Application 2.Even non-Physics aspects have vectors. Economists use the application of vectors to analyze economic growth of a certain place. (Image courtesy of PHILSTAR)

Appendix B: Answers to Guide Questions

1. Why is it important for the ring to be at the center? Since the mass hangers have equal masses, can you disregard them in the experiment? Why? In regards with the mass of the hangers, if we ignore their masses, we will acquire erroneous result. Suppose that in F1+F2+F3 = 0, if we change the mass in a given force, the equilibrium will be affected and it will not be zero anymore. 2. When a pull is applied on the ring and then released, why does it sometimes fail to return to the center? When you pull the string, you apply external force which disturbs the equilibrium. In our experiment, there are only four concurrent forces and the sum of these must equal to zero. If ever an external force is applied, a total of five forces is currently acting on the system therefore the equilibrium will not be equal to zero anymore. 1 , 2 , 3 to the remaining force 3. What is the significance of the resultant 4 ? What generalization can you make regarding their relationships? The resultant 1 , 2 , 3 must be equal to 4 in terms of the magnitude but they differ 2 , in direction. Therefore, 4 is the equilibrant of 1 , 3 . 4. If the order of adding vectors is changed (i.e from 1 + 2 + 3 to 2 , 1 , 3) will the resultant be different? Why? No, there will be no difference because addition of vectors follows associative law which states that vector can be added in any order. The resultant will be the same. 5. Which method of the resultant is more a) efficient, b) accurate, c) practical or convenient to use? Defend your answer. a. Efficient Polygon Method Efficiency means to work with less effort. Tracing the vectors then measuring them by ruler and protractor is less work. You only draw and measure. Thats it and it is very simple. b. Accurate Component Method The Component Method is the most accurate because you can calculate up to 3 4 decimal places accurately. Also in the experiment, it shows less percentage error than the Polygon Method. c. Practical Force Table (Experimental) Method It is the most practical because of the reason of it is designed for actual use. You actually measure and test the directions and masses to get a resultant. You are practicing in a trial and error way so therefore it is more practical to use.

Appendix C: Answers to Problem Sets

1. Given the following concurrent forces: F1=5N, North; Determine a) F1+F2 F2=7N, 30 N of W; b)F2-F1 c) F3+F1-F2 x - component 5cos90 = 0 7cos150 = -6.06 -6.06 a.) F1 + F2 x - component 7cos150 = -6.06 7cos195 = -6.76 0.70

F3=10N, 75 W of S

F1 F2

y - component 5sin90 = 5 7sin150 = 3.5 8.5

F2 -(F3)

y - component 7sin150 = 3.5 7sin195 = -1.81 5.31

R = + = (6.06)2 + (8.5)2 = 10.44 = tan1 = tan1 |6.06| = 54.51 (quadrant II) = 180 - 54.51 = 125.49 b.) F2 - F3 R = + = (0.70)2 + (5.31)2 = 5.36N = tan1 = tan1 |0.70| = 82.49 (quadrant I) = 82.49
5.31 .

c.) F3 + F1 - F2 R = + = (0.69)2 + (0.31)2 = 0.76N = tan1 = tan1 |0.69| = 24.19 (quadrant III) = 180 + 24.19 = 204.19 2. Given the following concurrent forces A, B, and C, determine the resultant. A = 3 + 2 + 4 B = -2 + 6 - 7 C = 5 - 4 + 9 R = (3 -2 +5) + (2 + 6 4) + (4 7 + 9) = 6 + 4 + 6 3. Given the following concurrent forces: F1 = 10 N at 37 N of W x - component 10cos143 = -7.99 15cos90 = 0 0 -8 -15.99 y - component 10sin143 = 6.02 15sin90 = 15 0 12 33.02 z - component 0 0 14 4 18
0.31

F1 F2 F3 F4 F2 = 15 N, north

F3 = 14 N toward the negative z-axis F4 = (-8 + 12 + 4 )N

F3 F1 -(F2)

x - component 7cos195 = -6.76 5cos90 = 0 7cos150 = -6.06 -0.69

y - component 7sin195 = -1.81 5sin90 = 5 7sin150 = 3.5 -0.31

R = + + = (15.99)2 + (33.02)2 + (18)2 = 40.87N