I.

DATA AND RESULTS

TABLE 2.1 FORCE TABLE (Experimental Values)

RESULTANT MAGNITUDE (N) DIRECTION
A 100 70° N of E
B 150 60° W of N
C 100 20° W of S
EQUILIBRANT (E) 150 330° / 30°
RESULTANT (R) 150 150°

TABLE 2.2 SUMMARY OF RESULTS

RESULTANT MAGNITUDE (N) DIRECTION (degrees)
EXPERIMENTAL 150 330°
THEORETICAL 149.99 330°
% DIFFERENCE 0.01%

II. EXPERIMENT SETUP

III. Evaluation Questions

1. Two forces, one of magnitude 2N and the other one of magnitude 3N, are applied to the ring of
the force table. The directions of the two forces are unknown. Which of the following best
describes the limitations on the resultant, R? Explain the basis of your answers
a. R ≤ 5N
b. 2N ≤ R
c. R ≥ 3N
d. 1N ≤ R ≤ 5N
 e. R ≤ 2N
- The choice D. 1N≤ R ≤ 5N best describes the limitations on the resultant, R because it is the most
specific and accurate among the five choices. The sum of the two magnitude, 2N and 3N, is 5N
which is the highest possible value of the resultant. On the other hand, the difference of the two
magnitude, 2N and 3N is 1N which is the lowest possible value of the resultant. In short, the
value of the resultant is between 1N and 5N which is what D. defines.

2. Using the set of vectors in this exercise, compute the resultant vector → =→ + → + → using the
𝑅 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
component method. Show the detailed solution.

3. Compare the computed values with the ones from the polygon method. Is there a significant
different?
- According to the data, the theoretical or the computed value of the resultant that the group got is
149.99N which can be rounded up to 150N. On the other hand, the value of the resultant using the
polygon method is 150N. Therefore, there is no significant different between the values using
both methods, having only a 0.01% difference.

RESULTANT MAGNITUDE (N) DIRECTION (degrees)

POLYGON METHOD 150 330°
COMPONENT METHOD 150 150°
% DIFFERENCE 0%

IV. REAL LIFE APPLICATIONS

Vectors are used in science to describe anything that has both a magnitude and direction. It can also be
used to represent any number of physics objects or phenomena. For instance, it can be used to quantify
how a force or action, is applied to a structure, truss, beam or a number of other applications humanity
will encounter. Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, lift, thrust, drag and weight are
all vector quantities. For example, if multiple forces are applied on an object at varying angles, the
mechanical or civil engineer would use vector addition to find the total force acting on the object. Civil
engineers often deal with multiple forces acting on a bridge.

The most common use of vectors is in giving directions. Telling someone to walk to the end of the
street before turning left and walking five more blocks is an example of using vectors to give directions.
A variety of mathematical operations can be performed with and upon vectors. One such operation is
the addition of vectors. Two vectors can be added together to determine the resultant. By using vector
addition, we can determine the equilibrant which is essential in achieving equilibrium.

THE EDITORS (2010, November 8). What Are Vectors, and How Are They Used? Retrieved from
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/football-vectors/