Addition Of Vectors

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I. Introduction
A vector is an arrow whose length represents the magnitude of a quantity and whose direction represents the direction of the quantity. Vectors are useful in combining velocities that are not parallel. The sum of two or more component vectors is called a resultant.
When the vectors are not at right angles to each other, the resultant is found by constructing a parallelogram. The parallelogram is constructed with the two vectors as sides. The resultant of the parallelogram is its diagonal.
Equilibrant vector on the other hand, is a single vector that would balance the original vectors taken together.
An experiment was conducted to determine the difference between using graphical, analytical and experimental method in getting the resultant. A force table, weight holders, a set of slotted masses (200g and 249g), ruler, protractor, spring scale and triple beam balance were used. Each group has its own assigned mass and forces as well as a force table. Weight hangers were attached to two strings tied to the center ring of the force table, where two slotted masses, one 200g and the other 249g were hung according to their specified directions. The center ring was anchored to the nail positioned at the platform’s center while the upper ring of the spring scale was attached to the free end of the third ring. After attaching the spring balance, its hook was pulled and the reading on the scale and the direction of the pull at which the two forces (hanging mass) are “balanced.” “Balance” was determined.
II. Results and Discussion
Table 1. Time, distance, velocity and acceleration measurements for a marble.
Distance (cm) Time
(s) Mean
Time (s) Average
Velocity
(cm/s)
1 2 3
10 0.90 0.67 0.71 0.76 13.16
30 1.52 1.37 1.37 1.40 21.48
40 1.86 1.58 1.58 ...

... middle of paper ...

...bsp;2.77 2.46 2.61 100 50 34.44
The velocity computed by using tangent lines was found to be higher than the average velocity. The results were also found to have irregular values. It is noticed that after covering the distance of 40 cm, the velocity went down. The velocity between the distance of 40 cm and 70 cm were found to be equal.
On the other hand, the computed values of the acceleration were also irregular. Acceleration at the distance of 10 cm and 40 cm were found to be equal. Acceleration would not change even if the group used a larger marble. It would make almost no difference in the values acquired.
Errors may have been one of the causes of irregularities seen between velocity and acceleration. Maybe one of the problems that we encountered was the irregularity of the time. Because of this, the other computations were affected.
III Computations
A. VELOCITY
V = df – di tf - ti
V1 = 15 – 5 = 10 = 20
1 – 0.5 0.5

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