EXPERIMENT NO.

1
VECTORS: ANALYTICAL, GRAPHICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL METHODS
Vectors are ubiquitous in physics, and, in addition, you find them
everywhere. Velocity, acceleration, displacement and force are all vector
quantities. In this lab we will explore various methods for adding and
resolving vectors. In the process you will have the opportunity to improve
your skill with geometry and trigonometry, and you will also work with a
piece of equipment, the force table, which allows you to visualize the
addition and resolution of vectors.
Specifically, in the course of this lab you will learn to add and to
resolve vectors using three distinct methods
1. Graphical
2. Analytical
3. Experimental, using the force table
Introduction and Theory
1. Graphical Addition of Vectors
When two forces act upon an object, their combined effect can be
determined by adding the vectors which represent the forces. One method of
performing this addition is known as the graphical method of vector addition.
In this method, arrows are drawn in the direction of the forces. The lengths of
the arrows are proportional to the magnitudes of the vectors. The resultant is
formed by constructing a parallelogram with the two components serving as
sides as shown in figure 1.

Fig. 1 Resultant of two forces

2. Analytical
In the analytical method, vectors are added by finding the components
of each vector projected along the axes of some suitable coordinate system.
The resultant is then found and expressed in terms of its magnitude and
direction by using Pythagoras theorem and the appropriate trigonometric
functions.
3. Force Table

Vectors can be added experimentally using a force table. This is a

device which allows the detection of a condition of zero-net force to signify
when force vectors are precisely balanced.
Equipment
Force Table Apparatus
Weight Sets
Pulleys
Ring + String
Weight Hangers
Ruler
Protractor
Spirit Level
The force table consists of a machined metal or plastic plate mounted
on a stand. The plate has angular markings and a centering pin. Pulleys are
attached to the plate and aligned with the angular markings. Weights hung
from the pulleys exert forces on a centering ring. When the forces are
balanced, the centering ring is aligned with the centering pin on the force
plate. The directions of the force vectors can be ascertained from the angular
positions of the pulleys, and the magnitudes from the values of the hanging
masses.
The protractor and ruler are used in the graphical method of vector
analysis.
Experimental Method
Before you begin, use the spirit level to confirm that your force table is
level.
A) Adding 2 Vectors
Begin by assuming that forces are being exerted on an object by two
vectors at angles of 30 degrees and 197 degrees (see figure 2), and that,
further, these forces are each equivalent to the weight of a 100 gram mass
and 200 gram mass respectively.

Fig. 2 Arrangement of forces to be added

1) Calculate the value of the resultant vector analytically.
2) Then use the parallelogram method to make a scale drawing of your
vectors graphically (use the protractor, ruler, and graph paper). The
finished diagram should fill about 2/3 of a page and should look roughly like
the one shown in figure 3.

Fig. 3 Graphic representation of added vectors

Use a ruler and protractor to measure the magnitude and angle of the
resultant.
3) Finally, use the force table to measure the weight needed to exactly offset
the resultant of your vectors. This force is sometimes referred to as the

equilibrant. Figure 4 illustrates the idea of the equilibrant, and the ensuing
text explains in detail how to perform the experiment.
Note that the equilibrant is not the same vector as the resultant. In fact it is
the vector equal and opposite to the resultant.
Resultant= - Equilibrant

Fig. 4 Equilibrant balancing Resultant

Set up your force table with 100 g weights and 200 g weights on two pulleys
at 30 degrees and 197 degrees respectively. Using a third pulley and
weights, determine the magnitude and direction of the equilibrant force that
maintains the ring in equilibrium centered around the center pin.
Helpful Hints: Make sure the string knots slip readily around the center
ring. Pulling the ring straight up and then releasing it helps adjust for the
friction of the pulleys as the ring vibrates up and down.
B) Adding three vectors
Given the vectors:
100 g times 9.8 m/s2, at an angle of 20 degrees,
100 g times 9.8 m/s2, at an angle of 120 degrees,
50 g times 9.8 m/s2, at an angle of 205 degrees,
each angle being measured from the x-axis.
Find their resultant:
1) graphically

2) analytically
3) experimentally.
Data
The primary data from this experiment consists of the angles and
masses needed to bring the forces into balance in each exercise. You may
also want to note down how much leeway there is in your choice of angle
and mass. In other words, how much variation, in mass and angle, can the
force table tolerate while still maintaining alignment between the centering
ring and centering pin. This should give you a good idea of the error that the
experimental method introduces.
Calculations
Almost all calculations are an integral part of the laboratory. The
analytical addition or resolution of of the vectors requires you to convert
them to component format, and then reconvert them to the angle-magnitude
representation.
The graphical analysis of the vectors requires you to scale the drawing
to fit your graph paper. You will have to decide on a reasonable number of
squares per kilogram of hanging mass and then apply this ratio to all your
vectors so that the length of the vector will be proportional to the force it
represents.
Things to Discuss
Does experiment confirm theory. In other words, do the graphical and
experimental methods for adding vectors confirm the analytical results?
What are the primary sources of error in the experimental method, and
were the errors primarily random or systematic? Does the resolution
experiment differ substantially from the addition experiment or is there an
underlying similarity between them?

Report:
Introduction: Write a brief introduction stating the objectives of the
experiment, and a concise summary of the methods that will be used.
Experimental: Describe the experimental apparatus and precisely what
variables will be measured and how they will be measured.
Results: Summarize the results of the experiment. Show your methods for
graphical, analytical and experimental addition and/or resolution of vectors.
Attach graph paper or other drawings of vectors as required.
Discussion: Explain the significance of your results and their connection
with more general physical principles. Where it is possible, compare your
numbers with accepted values. Explain any sources of error.