STEM123 – General Physics 1

LABORATORY WORKSHEET
Week 2
1st Semester, SY 2020-2021

3-5 | VECTOR ADDITION: Two-dimensional

LEARNING COMPETENCIES:
The learners are expected to:
1. Associate corresponding directions to the axes and quadrants of the coordinate plane,
2. Determine ways that a vector can be presented (illustration, magnitude and direction,
use of coordinates),
3. Transform vectors from magnitude and direction to coordinates, and vice-versa (𝜃 in
standard and non-standard position),
4. Use graphical method in adding vectors (head-to-tail method), and
5. Use analytical method in adding vectors (component method).

Introduction

Vectors are physical quantities defined by a magnitude and direction. From the previous sessions, it has been
known that it can also be represented in terms of coordinates. It is illustrated as a ray (in layman’s term, an arrow) with the
length indicating the vector’s magnitude and the arrowhead indicating the vector’s direction. Similar to physical quantities,
the fundamental operations can also be used in vectors. This time, we’re going to focus on adding vectors in one-dimension.
Addition of vectors can be done either graphically or analytically.

Objectives:
1. Draw vectors following a scale,
2. Rewrite an angle with bearing to an angle in standard position and vice-versa,
3. Add vectors using graphical and analytical method; and
4. Compare the results of analytical and graphical method of vector addition.

Materials:
• Ruler
• Protractor
• Graphing paper (or Bond paper) for graphing
• Color pens or color pencil (fine point will be preferable for graphing)

Procedure:
1. Complete the table using your knowledge in transforming vectors as well as locating them.

Page 1 of 5 Callo Mabulo | ADNU STEM © 2020

STEM123 – General Physics 1
LABORATORY WORKSHEET
Week 2
1st Semester, SY 2020-2021

2. Add the vectors graphically by plotting them using the scaling of 5 m: 1 inch and connecting them
head-to-tail (See the figure below). For the rest of the remaining vectors, continue doing steps 2-3
until the last vector.

3. When all the vectors have been drawn in head-to-tail arrangement to each other, you’re now ready
to draw the resultant vector. This is a vector we can obtain by connecting the head of the first vector
drawn to the tail of the last vector drawn (See vector R below). Resultant vector is just the sum of
all the vectors you have drawn.

4. To wrap up the graphical method in adding vectors, we’ll measure the length and the angle
(direction) of the resultant with the use of a ruler and protractor, respectively. Report values as
measured.

Do not forget that after measuring with the use of the

ruler, you need to use the scale to retun it to the
actual value.

In the example on the left, it reads about 3.5 in.

3.5 1
Using the scale in ratio and proportion: = we
𝑋 5
get the R’s magnitude to be 17.5 meters.

Page 2 of 5 Callo Mabulo | ADNU STEM © 2020

STEM123 – General Physics 1
LABORATORY WORKSHEET
Week 2
1st Semester, SY 2020-2021

When measuring using a protractor, the 0° mark

should be placed on an axis as shown.

This somewhat reads 19°. Since the rotation started

from the East, going to the North, the bearing of the
resultant vector is North of East.

In other words, R = 17.5 meters, 19° North of East

5. On this part, we are going to add the same set of vectors using analytical method. All you need to
do is sort the coordinates according to dimensions: x & y.

6. After this, indicate the sum of these x- and y- components in the TOTAL column.
7. Use the Pythagorean theorem to solve for R’s magnitude and the tangent function to determine the
angle (direction) of the vector.
8. Ultimately, report the computed values for magnitude and direction of the resultant vector.

Page 3 of 5 Callo Mabulo | ADNU STEM © 2020

STEM123 – General Physics 1
LABORATORY WORKSHEET
Week 2
1st Semester, SY 2020-2021

Vector Angle in Standard Coordinates Quadrant/ Axis

Position
A 10 m, North 90° (0, 10) + y – axis
B 15 m, East 0° (15,0) +x-axis
C 25 m, 30° East of South 300° (12.50,-21.65) Q IV
D 20 m, 15° North of West 165° (-19.32,5.18) Q II
E 10 m, Southwest 225° (-7.07,-7.07) Q III

For GRAPHICAL METHOD of vector addition, use the space WITHIN THIS BOX ONLY. Use the color coding you’ve
set for the vectors from the table earlier.

RESULTANT VECTOR 13.60m 85° S of E

magnitude direction with bearing

For ANALYTICAL METHOD of vector addition

Vector x-component y-component 𝑅 = √(∑ 𝑥)2 + (∑ 𝑦)2

A 0 10
B 15 0

Page 4 of 5 Callo Mabulo | ADNU STEM © 2020

STEM123 – General Physics 1
LABORATORY WORKSHEET
Week 2
1st Semester, SY 2020-2021

C 12.50 -21.65
D -19.32 5.18
E -7.07 -7.07
TOTAL ∑ 𝑥= 1.11 ∑ 𝑦= -13.54

∑𝑦
𝜃 = tan−1 (∑ )
𝑥

RESULTANT VECTOR 13.59 85°S of E

magnitude direction with bearing
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What did you find difficult/ confusing in this worksheet?

We have a difficulty or a problem in graphing since were not precisly good when using a ruler.
2. What are your thoughts about the graphical method of adding two-dimensional vectors?

Our thoughts in graphical method is sufficient, since we were able to visualize the vectors.
3. What are your thoughts about the analytical method of adding two-dimensional vectors?

Our thoughts in analytical is satisfactory, as it seems that we don't need to use a ruler or a protactor to
draw it, which makes it simpler for us.
4. Which of these two ways of adding vector did you find more convenient? Explain.

Between the two, the analytical method is the one that we find convenient, because we just need to solve
it, and far more precise than the graphical method.
5. Did you get the same answer after using the two vector addition methods? If yes, why do you think so?
If no, what could be the reason?

We have the same result by using the two vector addition methods, yes, somehow we find the two similar,
but for us analytical is far more precise than the graphical method.

Prepared by:
Facilitator Jannsen Martinez Editor/s: Jhaira Natasha T. Metran
Scribbler Lennel P. Mora Jhaira Viktoria T. Metran
Monitor Lennel. P. Mora Click or tap here to enter text.

END OF WORKSHEET

Page 5 of 5 Callo Mabulo | ADNU STEM © 2020