ENPHYS1L: Calculus-Based Physics for Engineers Laboratory

Laboratory Activity 2:

Vector Addition

I. Objective

The objective of the activity is to apply the concept of vector addition through the use of a force
table and set of weights.

II. Topic Learning Outcome

The students should be able to use the force table and weights to determine the equilibrant
force and resultant force.

III. Discussion

Vector quantity has both a magnitude and a direction in space. Vector addition is the sum of two
or more vectors.

C= A+ B
Vector C is the vector sum or resultant of vectors A and B. The bold faces of C, A, and B
emphasize that adding two vectors requires a geometrical operation and is not the same process or
operation as getting the sum of two scalar quantities. The addition of two or more vectors can be
determined by geometric construction (parallelogram method and polygon method). The resultant of
the vectors can be calculated using its horizontal and vertical components.

In the experiment, a force table is used to demonstrate the vector addition using equilibrium
concept. The forces are supplied by the weights that hangs over the pulley. Two known masses are
hanged over the pulleys and placed at a given angle. They are balanced by another mass over a pulley at
an angle. The last vector or force used to balance the known forces is the equilibrant force. Equilibrant
force or vector is different from resultant force or vector. Equilibrant force has the same magnitude but
opposite in direction to the resultant force.

IV. Materials

Force table set Ruler

Weights set (2 set) Scissor

Yarn or string

National University Fairview, College of Engineering and Technology – General Engineering

ENPHYS1L: Calculus-Based Physics for Engineers Laboratory

V. Procedure

1. Tie three strings (20 inches long) to the ring and place the ring over the center post on the force table.

2. Tie the other end of the string to the mass hanger and place each string over a pulley.

3. Clamp two pulleys at a given angle and hang masses. Use the table below for the given masses and
angle for the experiment.

Set Forces Magnitude (grams) Angle (degrees)

Set 1 Force 1 100 0
Force 2 100 90
Set 2 Force 3 100 30
Force 4 100 150
Set 3 Force 5 100 60
Force 6 50 150
Set 4 Force 7 70 60
Force 8 120 200
Set 5 Force 9 90 50
Force 10 115 270

4. By trial and error, determine the position for the third (equilibrant) force by adjusting the position of
the third pulley and mass. This will balance the two given forces. The ring over the center post must be
at the center of the force table.

VI. Data and Result

Set Equilibrant Force Resultant Force Rectangular Representation of

(Magnitude and Angle) (Magnitude and the Resultant Force (using base
Reference Angle) vectors i and j)
Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

National University Fairview, College of Engineering and Technology – General Engineering

ENPHYS1L: Calculus-Based Physics for Engineers Laboratory

VII. Treatment of Result

Show the calculations of the magnitude and direction (reference angle) of the resultant force. Prove that
the all the angles of the equilibrant forces are the same with the calculated angles of the resultant
forces. Calculate the percent error for the magnitude and direction of the resultant force to the
experimental equilibrant force (use the values of the resultant force as the theoretical or true values,
and the actual values are from the experimental equilibrant force). Show the calculation for the
rectangular representation.

VIII. Questions

1. What is resultant vector?

2. What is component method?

3. What is the difference between algebraic addition and vector addition?

IX. Conclusion

VI. References

1. Young, Hugh, and Freedman, Roger. (2004). University Physics with Modern Physics, 11th Edition.
Pearson Education South Asia.

2. Daen, Eugenio P., et al. College Physics Laboratory Manual. Department of Physics, Mapua Institute of
Technology (Mapua University).

National University Fairview, College of Engineering and Technology – General Engineering