Methodology:

A total of four different activities were conducted in this experiment, each

with a different theory or condition that is linked with Equilibrium. The first activity
focused on the determination of the Equilibrant Force, and was carried out with the
use of pans and weights on a force table. Three pans, labeled A, B, and C were
connected separately on a metal ring with pieces of yarn, and were placed on the
force table with pan A carrying 100g of weight on the 30 o mark, and pan B carrying
150g of weight on the 200o mark. The two tensions pulling on the ring were
balanced by adjusting the angle and weight of pan C against the force table. A
balance in the force table and among the pans is indicated by the ring being at the
center of the force table without any assistance or additional force added. If such
condition has been met, the magnitude and position of each pan, as well as the
equilibrant were recorded. The resultant and the equilibrant were also computed
using the component method, as percent error was also determined by comparing
theoretical and actual values.
With the second activity, focusing on the First condition for Equilibrium, a
cylinder of unknown weight was suspended with the use of two strings on a force
board. On one end of the string is a spring scale attached, and the other string was
used for pulling. The open string was pulled horizontally until the pin in the middle
of the force board was at the middle of the ring. Once such condition was achieved,
the value on the spring scale was recorded, as well as the angle of the pulled string
on the horizontal. Moreover, the weight of the cylinder was then weighed with an
electric balance. The tension of the string pulled, as well as the weight of the
cylinder was computed, as well as the percent error based on the accepted or true
value of the cylinder.
On the third activity, which allowed the location of the Center of Gravity, two
shapes were used. Cardboard cutouts of a 10cm diameter circle and a 10cm x 10cm
square were used. Each of the shapes mass was recorded. Using the plumb line
method, vertical lines were drawn on each shape at different points to determine
where the line intercepts, this being the center of gravity of each respective shape.
Then, using a made Cartesian plane with x and y axis, the coordinates of each
center of gravity was determined and recorded. Moreover, the two shapes were
then put together with the use of tape, and the new center of gravity of the
combined shapes was determined and recorded with the same (plumb line) method
and procedure.
With the last activity, the Second Condition for Equilibrium was the focus as
the center of gravity of the aluminum bar was determined. An aluminum bar was
balanced on a force board with one end being attached to a spring scale on top, and
the weighted cylinder attached at the bottom on the 5cm mark from the end of the
bar. Another string was attached to the other end of the bar, and this was used to
pull the bar up until the bar was parallel to the base (completely straight). The

forces acting were computed, and the bar was weighed to compare the percent
error.

Theory:
The general and main idea that surrounds experiment 3 is that of Equilibrium
and the Center of Gravity of a certain object. Equilibrium is said to be the state
where in all of the forces that are acting upon a certain object are balanced. This is
the case when the upward forces are balanced by the (opposite) downward forces,
and the forces acting on the left are balanced by the forces acting on the right.
Despite this, it does not necessarily mean the all forces are equal, but such state of
equilibrium or balance should generally show two conditions:
1. There is a net force of 0
2. There is 0 torque, or 0 acceleration (especially along the pivot point)
Equilibrium, in this case can be either static equilibrium or equilibrium in motion. In
static equilibrium, the object is stationary or at rest. Therefore, the net force and the
resultant is equal to zero. When there is equilibrium in motion on the other hand,
this can be achieved if the object in motion is continuing in motion with the same
speed and direction. In this case, net force and acceleration is equal to 0.
In determining forces that contribute to the equilibrium, it is common to find the
equilibrant force. The equilibrant force is the force that brings the state of balance
or equilibrium. As described with the use of a free body diagram, the equilibrant
force is the exact opposite of the resultant force of other forces. Thus, this certain
force acting upon the object keeps it motionless.
Mentioned above, a free body diagram is basically a diagram that shows the relative
magnitude and direction of all the forces involved and acting upon an object.

The center of gravity, as focused on in experiment 3, is a point in the body of

matter wherein the total weight of the body may be thought to be concentrated.
This point is affected by many factors, such as gravity, symmetry of the object of
matter, mass and many more.
The following equations were used for the calculation of results in experiment 3.
1. Weight (magnitude)
w = mg, where m = mass and g = gravitational acceleration (9.8m/s 2)
2. Force (Newtons)
F = ma, where m = mass and a = acceleration
For component method analysis and computations

3. (X) Horizontal Component. Ax = Acos

A = magnitude of force, and theta () is the angle to the horizontal
4. (Y) Vertical Component. Ay = Asin
A = magnitude of force, and theta () is the angle to the horizontal
5. Angle. = |(Summation) Y |
(Summation) X
Y = (Summation) of Y component, X = (Summation) of X component
With relation to the use of a free body diagram
6. Summation Fx. Fx = 0
F1 + F2 + F3 = 0
Where F1 is force 1 on the X axis, F2 is force 2 on the X axis, and F3 is force 3
on the X axis
7. Summation Fy. Fy = 0
F1 + F2 + F3 = 0
Where F1 is force 1 on the Y axis, F2 is force 2 on the Y axis, and F3 is force 3
on the Y axis
With relation to finding the center of gravity
8. X = XcWc + XsWs
Y = YcWc + YsWs
W
W
Where X is X coordinate of the center of gravity of the composite figure
Xc and Yc = coordinates of center of gravity of circle
Xs and Ys are coordinates of center of gravity of square
W = weight of composite figure
Wc = weight of circle
Ws = weight of square
9. Percent Error

% error = | Experimental value Theoretical value | x 100

Theoretical value

Sources:
http://www.studyphysics.ca/newnotes/20/unit01_kinematicsdynamics/chp06_vectors
/lesson24.htm
https://www.britannica.com/science/centre-of-gravity
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/vectors/Lesson-3/Equilibrium-and-Statics