Addition of vectors
Addition of vectorsI. 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 1.77 22.56
50 1.87 1.94 1.94 1.93 25.95
70 2.59 2.10 2.10 2.35 29.83
90 2.61 2.77 2.46 2.61 34.44
Table 1 shows the mean of the time for the three trials done with the marble as well as the average speed for each...
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