LABORATORY REPORT

PHY 001L - Physics for Engineers

Vector Addition
By Uy, Junichiro H.

Three methods are used in this work to investigate vector addition: graphical, component-based, and
experimental. The experiment uses a force table to balance two forces and add a third force, called
the equilibrant, to balance the resultant of the two forces. The vector sum of two forces (FA and FB) is
represented by the resultant force (FE), whereas the equilibrant force (FE) works in the opposite
direction but has the same magnitude. A force table, pulley clamps, strings, and masses are all part of
the experimental setup. The masses and angles are changed until equilibrium is reached, which is
indicated by a centered disk. Trigonometry is used to resolve vectors into horizontal and vertical
components to theoretically determine the equilibrant's magnitude and direction. The magnitude and
direction of the vectors are also measured graphically by aligning them head-to-head. The accuracy
and dependability of the results from theoretical and experimental approaches are evaluated by
comparison. The concepts of vector addition, equilibrium states, and the interaction between resultant
and equilibrant forces are all clarified by this experiment. It emphasizes the importance of vector
addition as a basic idea in both physics and engineering by fusing theoretical and practical
approaches.

Keywords: vector, equilibrant, theoretical, resultant, force table.

Introduction

A basic idea in physics, vector addition vertical components. By contrasting

describes how two or more vectors can be experimental and theoretical findings, the

combined to get their result. Three notions of equilibrium and vector addition

approaches, experimental, component- are brought to light, offering a useful

based, and graphical are used in this comprehension of two fundamental ideas in

experiment to examine vector addition. Two physics. Process Materials: Force table,

forces are balanced using a force table, table clamp, mass and mass hanger, mass

and the equilibrant, which counteracts the balance, strings, protractor, ruler, sheet of

resultant, is the third force. While a paper Procedure: 1. Place the strings over

graphical method arranges vectors tail-to- the pulleys and assemble the force table

head to visually determine the using the three pulley clamps. To apply

consequence, theoretical calculations forces at predetermined angles, attach

require resolving vectors into horizontal and masses to two of the threads. 2. The clear
 disk centering in the String Tie indicates magnitude, direction, and its effect on

that the system has reached equilibrium. To maintaining equilibrium in the system.

achieve this, adjust the mass and angle of

the third string (equilibrant). Pulling the disk

just enough to make sure it returns to the TABLE 1

center will test balance. 3. Divide the first Force Mass Angle

two strings' forces into vertical and FA 50g 0

horizontal parts. To determine the FB 100g 120

magnitude and direction of the resulting FE 86.5g 268
force, add together these elements. Find
FC 50g 0
the equilibrant, which has the opposite
FD 50g 100
direction but the same magnitude. 4. Make
FF 66g 230
a diagram of the two force vectors from tail
FG 120g 0
to head. Measure the magnitude and
FH 62g 103
direction of the resulting vector using a
FI 123.5g 210
ruler and protractor. The vector opposite

the resultant is the equilibrant. 5. To

The table shows different forces with their
evaluate accuracy and consistency,
weights and angles. The first two forces in
compare the equilibrant values acquired
each set are fixed, while the third one (FE, FF,
experimentally with those determined using
or FI) adjusts to balance everything. We
theoretical and graphical approaches.
calculated the forces using gravity and broke

them into horizontal (FxF_xFx) and vertical

Results and Discussions
(FyF_yFy) parts. The third force makes sure
The forces, angles, and resulting components
the system is balanced, so there’s no
of various vectors are highlighted in the results.
movement in any direction.
Each force has a unique correlation between
TABLE 2 2. Summing up the components:

Magnitude Direction o Total x-component:

Experimental FE = 86.5g FE = 268 Fx=F1x+F2x+F3xF_x = F_{1x} +

FF = 66g degrees F_{2x} + F_{3x}Fx=F1x+F2x

FI = 123.5g FF = 230 +F3x

degrees o Total y-component:

FI = 210 Fy=F1y+F2y+F3yF_y = F_{1y} +

degrees F_{2y} + F_{3y}Fy=F1y+F2y

Component Set 1 = Set 1 = - +F3y

3.0040 2.94 south 3. Magnitude of the resultant force:

Set 2 = Set 2 = o R=Fx2+Fy2R = \sqrt{F_x^2 +

0.7285 50.0367 F_y^2}R=Fx2+Fy2

Set 3 = northeast 4. Direction of the resultant force:

1.6146 Set 3 = o θ=tan⁡−1(FyFx)\theta = \tan^{-1}\

56.0608 left(\frac{F_y}{F_x}\

northeast right)θ=tan−1(FxFy)

Graphical These formulas were applied to the

magnitudes and directions you provided to find

the resultant force.

1.

Resolving each vector into Conclusion

components: In conclusion, this experiment effectively

o Fx=F⋅cos⁡(θ)F_x = F \cdot \cos(\ showed how vector addition works through

theta)Fx=F⋅cos(θ) three methods: graphical, experimental, and

component-based. Using a force table, we

o Fy=F⋅sin⁡(θ)F_y = F \cdot \sin(\
were able to balance two forces and determine
theta)Fy=F⋅sin(θ)
the third force, or equilibrant, that would
complete the equilibrium. By adjusting the

masses and angles, we achieved balance, References:

confirming the relationship between the Cengage Asia. (n.d.). Home. Cengage
resultant and equilibrant forces. The results
Asia. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from
from the experimental approach matched well
https://www.cengageasia.com/
with the theoretical and graphical calculations,
SCIRP. (n.d.). References papers.
proving how accurate and reliable these
Scientific Research Publishing. Retrieved
methods are for understanding vector addition.
January 26, 2025, from
Overall, the experiment highlighted the

importance of vector addition in both physics https://www.scirp.org/reference/references

and engineering, helping us better grasp how papers?referenceid=3155438

forces interact and balance in real-world

situations.