Physics Laboratory Report

Lab number and Title: Lab #:

Name: Group ID: 2

Date of Experiment: 02/01/2024 Date of Report Submission: 02/08/2024

Course & Section Number: Instructor’s Name:

Partners’ Names:

1. INTRODUCTION
• Objectives
• The primary objective of Lab 103 was to continually explore the very
principles of translational static equilibrium throughout various means
whether theoretically and experimentally. (rewrite obj,)
• By achieving equilibrium on a force table, we aimed to demonstrate the
conditions under which the sum of forces results in a state of balance.
• The practice as well as application of manipulating the vectors and
aligning the strings to specific angles so the central ring is in the middle
of the force table

• Theoretical background
• Graphical Method
• This method involves using arrows to represent the different vectors
when adding vectors graphically. The length of the arrow is the vector's
magnitude, and the direction is the actual direction. To add vectors, for
example you take vector B’s tail and plot it right on the tip of the arrow
of vector A, this vector addition allows for the resultant vector to appear.
• Analytical Method
• To find a resultant to two different vectors, one must decompose the x
and y components. The vector sum of any number of vectors can be
obtained by adding the x and y component of the vectors. The total
magnitude is the resultant vector which uses the Pythagorean Theorem
to acquire the response. (explain the concepts we are testing / using /
 or verifying)

• EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
• Case 1

IMAGES

• Case 2

IMAGES

• Case 3

IMAGES

• For Case 1 Experimental Variables:

Force (Weights)
Degree between each String.

• Our procedure began with the careful assembly of the force table
apparatus, ensuring that each component was properly calibrated. We
systematically varied the weights on the hangers and adjusted the
pulleys to manipulate the force vectors. We made sure that the pulleys
were fastened tightly and at the correct markers. The process required
very precise measurements of angles and a meticulous approach to
adding or removing mass to achieve the desired balance, thus reaching
a static equilibrium. (4 sentences, quickley explaining the process and
way of set up)

• RESULTS
• Experimental Data
Quantity to be Measured
Case Quantity Given determined Value

Ta = Tb 498.93 g
1 θa = 120°
θb = 120° Tc 498.53
θc = 120°
Ta = 200 g Tc 344.27 g
2 θa = 150°
Tb = 200 g θc 90°
θb =150°
Ta = 100 θb 120°
3 2
 –
√
2

θa =90°
Tb = 100 g θc 150°
Tc = 100 g

• Calculation
• Case 1:
• Given Ta = 500g, and angles θa = θb = θc = 120°, we calculated the
tensions Tb and Tc using the conditions for static equilibrium. The
calculations were as follows:

• Σ Fx = 0 + Tb sin⁡(60°) + sin⁡(60°) = 0
• Σ Fy = 500g – Tb cos(60°) + Tc cos(60°) = 0

• By recognizing the symmetry in the system, it was deduced that Tb =

Tc. Subsequently, the equations were solved to yield Tb = Tc = 500g.
• (every calculation should come from table, write out formulas, paste
results repeat, you can also directly write out some of the calculations
done like seen here, but is better to write out just the formulas, and
through the small explanation of each formula, you are showing your
understanding of each step in the experiment, thus not requiring the
need for inputting the specific values directly into the formulas)

• Case 2:
• For the given Ta = 200g, Tb = 200g, and angles θa = θb = 150°, we
determined the tension Tc and angle θc. using the following equations:

• θa + θb + θc = 360°
• 150° + 150° + θc = 360°
• Σ Fx = 0 + Tb sin(60°) – Tc cos(60°)
• Tc = 200 * tan(60°)

• By recognizing that both angles are 150°, it was deduced that θc = 60°.

• Case 3:
• With Ta = 100√2g, Tb = 100g, and Tc = 100g, the angles θb and θc were
determined to be 135°. The results are:
• θc : 180° - 45° = 135°
• θb: 90° + 45° = 135°
• I Tb + Tc I
• By recognizing that due to one of the angles being 90°, it was deduced
 that θc = θb.
• (on each one you state results, save the explanations and conversation
for analysis, just state if results relate to each other and or mirrors the
experimental values of lab)

• ANALYSIS and DISCUSSION

• The comprehensive analysis of Cases 1, 2 and 3 within this lab
involved a critical examination of the conditions under which a system,
that system being the force table, is said to be in static equilibrium. This
equilibrium is defined by the known principle of Newton Law’s of Motion,
that if a body is acted upon only by simultaneous forces, the condition
for static equilibrium is that the vector sum of all forces acting on a body
must be zero.
• For Case 1, the symmetry initially in the setup is due to the fact of
having all our given angles be equal to 120° between each string with
the weight attached to the ends. With this information we can concur
that the suggested tension must also be equal. The experimental
findings for the first case depicted are consistent with the theoretical
data found. (each one you speak on results, just re write, you explaining
each of the results with words, add lots of filler words and thought
words)
• In each case, the experimental results displayed a high degree of
agreement with the theoretical predictions, lending valuable context to
the vector nature of force and the conditions required for static
equilibrium. The discrepancies observed between the calculated and
experimental values were minimal and fell within the expected error
margins, for cases 1 and 2.
• For case 2, the angle recorded was not the theoretical value found in
doing the calculations, so this is likely attributable to the way we
operated and proceeded with the experiment.
• Other factors can cause minor experimental imperfections such as
slight misalignments in the pulley system, variations in the mass of
weights, and frictional forces at the pulleys and the pin.
• The small percentage differences in tensions and angles, each in their
own respective case, depict very low percentage difference from each
other, except for Case 2 in our situation. Case 1 has a 0.33% difference
for its Tb weight, but for the Tc weight, it was around 0.29% suggesting
that due to an error on our group, the experimental setup was not well-
calibrated and the procedures were not carefully checked. However,
these differences open up discussions about the precision of
measurement instruments and the necessity for meticulous
experimental techniques, especially in systems sensitive to minor
deviations, as is often encountered in the practice of physics and
experiments. (speak on Theo vs Exp %)
• Analyzing the errors that could come up in an experiment is vital to
understanding the reliability of those results. The error in angle
 measurements could stem from parallax error or the protractor's
resolution on the force table. Meanwhile, the tension discrepancies
could arise from the non-confirmative behavior of strings (which have
mass and therefore can stretch under load) and the assumption of a
frictionless pulley system. Having these factors in thought, the results
obtained reinforce the theory, but also emphasize the importance of
considering real-world complexities (multiple factors that can alter the
results) in experimental physics. (speak on possible errors that could
happen)
• Further analysis of the topic shows the significance of vector
components adding together. It is not just the magnitudes of forces that
determine equilibrium, but also their directions, as evidenced by the
equilibrium achieved under varying angles and specific tensions. The
experiment thus serves as a great illustration of the complexity and
beauty of physical laws as they apply to static systems. (further
understanding of other topics pertaining to this lab)
• The following results of this lab create a conversation that implicates
beyond the classroom setting. Understanding static equilibrium is
foundational for numerous applications, such as in civil engineering
where forces in static structures must meticulously be calculated and
thoroughly checked that they are balanced. The principles confirmed
here are used in the design of bridges, buildings, and even in the
analysis of forces acting on stationary vehicles. (outside classroom
implementations and ramifications these results have on the world)

• CONCLUSIONS
• To conclude, the force table experiment effectively displays the two
different paths of data side by side to come to a response. The
theoretical physics and experimental application provide a clear and
intuitive understanding of static equilibrium and vector forces. The slight
deviations observed between theoretical and experimental results
provide a necessary avenue to discuss the different ways to tackle
different experimental techniques, the consistent measurement
accuracy, and the lack of more testing to gather more concrete results
without as many deviations as seen in case 2 and 3. (4 to 5 sentences;
1st sentence: state that all these results are now available to compare
as well as stating if the objectives were met; 2nd sentence: comparing
those results and stating if it made the concepts more clear or less; 3rd
sentence: can go further in explaining how accurate these results are,
due to necessary steps taken in data collection or explaining how other
factors can alter results; 4th and 5th: you can write a sentence that
leaves an underlying statement regarding the results of the lab and our
new acquired knowledge on this lab)

• Raw Data
PICTURE OF LAB REPORT BOOKELT FILLED OUT