Experiment #1

Resolution of Forces
Aguilar, Joan I
INT-4
PHY10-2L/B1

Abstract
Using force table, mass hanger forcing the
ring to balance in the middle and to
determine the resultant force of the current
forces using, graphical and analytical
method.
Introduction
Resolution of forces, in physical quantities
there are 2 categories it can either be scalar
or vector. Scalars are quantities that are fully
described by a magnitude (or numerical
value) alone. Vectors are quantities that are
fully described by both a magnitude and a
direction (The Physics classroom, 2015) [1].
Another explanation for these categories
would be A scalar is any quantity that only
requires a magnitude or size to describe it
completely. A scalar is any number that
gives you the size or magnitude of a
quantity, so a unit of measure must be
attached to the number (like degrees or
meters). Any random number is not a scalar
(Scalar quantity in physics, 2015)[2].
Equilibrium in physics, the condition of a
system when neither its state of motion nor
its internal energy state tends to change with
time. A simple mechanical body is said to be
in equilibrium if it experiences neither linear
acceleration nor angular acceleration; unless
it is disturbed by an outside force, it will
continue in that condition indefinitely.[3]
The conditions for equilibrium are basic to
the design of any load bearing structure such
as a bridge or a building since such

structures must be able to maintained

equilibrium under load [4].
Theory
Polygon method (adding any number of
coplanar vectors geometrically)
Start at any convenient point and draw (in
scale) each vector arrow in turns. They may
be taken in any order of succession. The tail
end of each arrow is attached to the tip end
of the preceding one[5].

Figure 1
A vector component describes the effect of a
vector in a given direction.
Any angled vector has two components; one
is directed horizontally and the other is
directed vertically[6].
Methodology
A. Materials
Force Table, Super pulley with
clamp, Mass hanger, Slotted mass,
Protractor.
B. Procedure
Using force table assemble the
system using four pulleys.
Attach a hanger and arbitrarily
suspended a mass on each hanger.
By trial and error adjusting the angle
and load o f mass on each hanger.

Experiment #1
Resolution of Forces
Aguilar, Joan I
INT-4
PHY10-2L/B1

Observe if the string with given mass

load can pull the ring at the center.
Once the balance of the ring is
obtained recorded the mass on each
string and its angle.
Determine the resultant using
polygon method and the component
method then compare the result
Then repeated the procedure 1 to 6
while using different mass on the
hangers or different angles for the
strings. As shown in figure 2 [6].

Trial 2 results from F1 to 4 were 50g,

50g, 40g, 50.9g, 0, 90, 180, 258.6 degrees.
Trial 2s actual R=F4 is 50g while actual
theta is 260 degree. The component method
for R is 50g resulting to 0.018 % of
percentage error. While the theta component
method 258.6degree resulting to 5.38 of
percentage of error.
Putting different loads of mass on the mass
hanger and putting different angles on the
force table can give you different results on
how to put the ring in the middle
Conclusion
It takes different trials to be able to give
different result that you wanted to achieve.
The final result of the computation on the
percentage result minimum error on the said
experiment.

Reference
[1] The Study.com (2013-2015). Retrieved May, 16
2015 from http://study.com/academy/lesson/scalarquantity-in-physics-definition-examples-quiz.html.

Figure 2
Result and Discussion
The result from trial 1 from F1 to 4 was
30g, 30g, 20g, 70g, 20, 60, 120, and 38
degrees. Trial 1s actual R=F4 is 70g while
actual theta is 238 degree the component
method for R is 63.00g resulting with a
percentage error of 0.1% while the
component method of theta is 238.21
resulting with a percentage error of -2.52%

[2] Physics Classroom (1996-2015). Retrieved May

16, 2015 from
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/1DKin/Less
on-1/Scalars-and-Vectors
[3] Encyclopedia Britannica (2015). Retrieved May
16, 2015 from
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/190745/
equilibrium
[4] Torque and Equilibrium (n.d).Retrieved May 16,
2015 from http://hyperphysics.phyastr.gsu.edu/hbase/torq.html

Experiment #1
Resolution of Forces
Aguilar, Joan I
INT-4
PHY10-2L/B1
[5] Physics Lecture (n.d)
www.lcp.edu.hk/teaching/phy/download/ALmechanics/vector.doc
[6] Component method of vector addition
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/vectors/Less
on-1/Component-Addition

[7] Vectors and the force lab retrieved May 16, 2015
from http://www2.volstate.edu/Phy/PHYS21102120/Lab%20Writeups/force_table.htm