Experiment 2.

Vectors
OBJECTIVE:
Verify the methods of vector algebra using experimental, graphical, and analytical techniques.
PRINCIPLES:
A vector is a mathematical entity having magnitude and direction. An arrow in space may geometrically
represent it, with its length proportional to the vectors magnitude.
Vectors obey certain rules of combination (such as addition and multiplication) that is similar to that of
ordinary algebra. These combinations also follow distributive and commutative axioms. However, two vectors are
equal only if they have equal magnitudes and direction and division by a vector is meaningless. It is also
worthwhile to mention that the negative of a vector is a vector with the same magnitude but opposite direction.

Figure 1. Addition of vectors

How are vectors added? Figure 1 shows vectors A and B and illustrates how the vector sum (or resultant)
C is obtained. The tail of the second vector is placed at the head of the first vector and the resultant is determined
by drawing a vector from the tail of A to the head of B. Physically, A and B can be the scaled representations of
consecutive displacements of a particle. Say A represents displacement from point a to b and B from b to c. The
resultant vector C can then be interpreted as the scaled representation of the effective displacement that gives
the same effect (i.e, transfer of the particle from point a to point c). Thus we see that
C=A+B

(Eq 1)

The actual displacement represented by vector C can be determined graphically by measuring the
direction of the displacement relative to some reference orientation and length of the vector C relative to a scale.
From Eq 1, we see that we can set A and B to be perpendicular to each other. Thus, we can always
choose any two perpendicular vectors that sum to any vector. Fixing these perpendicular directions is equivalent
to choosing an x- and y-axis in a plane. Any vector lying in an x-y plane can therefore be represented as the
resultant of a vector parallel to the x-axis and a vector parallel to the y-axis. These vectors are called x- and ycomponent vectors, respectively. This is illustrated for vectors A, B, and C in figure 2. The component vectors can
completely describe a vector. Given the components, the magnitude and direction of a vector can be determined
by,
=

2 + 2

tan =

(Eq 2)
(Eq 3)

The components can also be used to determine the resultant vectors. Lets illustrate this for vectors A
and B discussed above: Since A = Ax+ Ay and B = Bx + By, the resultant of A and B can be expressed as the sum

of the component vectors.

Rearranging the terms (commutatively), as well as grouping terms together (associatively) we obtain:
C = (Ax + Bx) + (Ay + By)

(Eq 4)

The sum (Ax + Bx) is parallel to the x-axis while the sum (Ay + By) is parallel to the y-axis. Therefore, they
are the components of the resultant C
Cx = Ax + Bx

(Eq 5)

Cy = Ay + By

(Eq 6)

and

Having solved for its component vectors, we have therefore completely described the resultant.

Figure 2. Component of vectors

MATERIALS:

Force Table
Set of weights
Block of wood
Platform Balance
Graphing Paper
Ruler
Bubble Level

PROCEDURE:
Lets play Keep The Ring At The Center
(a.k.a. KTRATC: pronounced kay-traht-sih)
Your objective is to keep the ring at the center (a.k.a. KTRATC) by pulling at different directions. You can
vary the pulling magnitude by changing the hanging mass. You can vary the pulling direction by adjusting the
position of the pulley.

Before starting the experiment, make sure that the force table is level. Use a bubble level for this.
Connect a thread to the ring. On the other end of the thread, attach a 200 mass. Attach the pulley at
210 and let the thread to pass through the pulley. Do not disturb this pull unless you are told to do so.

CASE 1: Add another pulley and mass to KTRATC. Record the angle and mass to table 1. (Total Masses
Hanging = 2)
When the ring is at the center, what happens when you tap one of the masses downwards?
CASE 2: Use two different pulleys to KTRATC (i.e., two different masses at different positions). Record the
masses and positions. (Total Masses Hanging = 3)

CASE 3: From the set up in case 2, shift the direction of one of the pulleys by at least 10 . Once adjusted, DO
NOT MOVE THE PULLEYS ANYMORE.
a. Try to KTRATC by adjusting only the strength of the mass of this pulley.
Were you able to KTRATC?
b. If it is not possible to KTRATC by just changing the strength of the mass, try adjusting both the strength
and direction of this pull.
CASE 4: Set the two added pulls to be perpendicular with each other.Try adjusting the pulley strengths to
KTRATC.
CASE 5: Now add a third pulley. Vary the magnitudes and directions to KTRATC. (Total Masses Hanging = 4)
Table 1. Experimental Data
EXPERIMENTAL
CASE
M (g)
P (0)
1
200
210
2
200
210
3
200
210
4
200
210
5
200
210

PULL 1
M (g)
P (0)

PULL 2
M (g)
P (0)

PULL 3
M (g)
P (0)

The analytical column will be filled out by analytically computing for the resultant of pulls 1,2,3 for each case then
taking the equilibrant of the resultant.
Table 2. Percentage Error for Analytical Calculation
ANALYTICAL
EXPERIMENTAL
CASE
M (g)
P (0)
M (g)
P (0)
1
2
3
4
5

ERROR
P (0)

M (g)

Graph all the pulls magnitude and direction for each case as accurately as possible. Indicate your scale. From
the graphs, determine the resultants and equilibrants. No calculations will be done. The data will come from
purely with the use of a pen, paper, protractor, and ruler. Input the equilibrant for each case under the graphical
column.
Table 3. Percentage Error for Graphical Calculation
GRAPHICAL
EXPERIMENTAL
CASE
M (g)
P (0)
M (g)
P (0)
1
2
3
4
5

ERROR
M (g)

P (0)

Now, remove all the masses added and replace the 200g at 210 0 with a block of wood with an unknown mass.
TRIAL 1: Add two pulls with equal magnitude and try to KTRATC by adding the pull directions. If you cant, adjust
the pull magnitudes (but keep them equal) and try again.
TRIAL 2: Once you were able to KTRATC, increase the pull magnitudes (but keep the two pulls equal) and adjust
the directions to KTRATC again.
Measure the mass of the block using the platform balance. Then, from your data, calculate the mass of the block
of wood.
Table 4. Unknown Mass
PULL 1
TRIAL
M (g)
P (0)
1
2

PULL 2
M (g)

P (0)

MASSCALC
(g)

MASSACTUAL
(g)

% ERROR

GUIDE QUESTIONs:
1. Is there a limit in the number of pulls that may be used to KTRATC?
2. How were the graphical technique and the analytical technique related?
3. An equilibrant is a force applied to balance all other forces acting on a system. In the experiment, which
pull can be considered as the equilibrant?
4. Throughout this experiment, we have used the units grams to express the magnitude of the forces
acting, and yet we know grams measure mass and not force. How can we be sure that the law of vector
addition is being validly tested?