NMFC1: General Physics 1
Laboratory Module
Name: _____________________________________ Rating: ____________________________
Year/Section/Course: _________________________ Date: _____________________________
EXPERIMENT NO. 1
VECTOR ADDITION
1.0. OBJECTIVES
1.1. To add vectors using the tail-to-head (graphical) method and verify the result by
component method.
2.0. LEARNING OUTCOMES
2.1. Illustrate the use of graphical and analytical methods of determining
resultant vectors.
3.0. INTRODUCTION
3.1. A scalar quantity is a number that has only a magnitude. When scalar quantities
are added together (e.g., prices), the result is a sum.
3.2. Vectors are quantities that have both magnitude and direction; specific methods
of addition are required. When vector quantities are added, the result is a resultant.
3.3. Tail-to-Head (graphical) Method
Vectors can be added together graphically by drawing them end-to-end.
A vector can be moved to any location; so long as its magnitude and
orientation are not changed, it remains the same vector. When adding
vectors, the order in which the vectors are added does not change the
resultant.
Draw each vector on a coordinate system; begin each from the origin.
Choose any vector drawn to be the first vector.
Choose a second vector and redraw it, beginning from the end of the first.
Repeat, adding as many vectors as are desired to the end of the “train” of
vectors.
The resultant is a vector that begins at the origin and ends at the tip of the
last vector drawn. It is the shortest distance between the beginning and the
end of the path created.
NMFC1: General Physics 1
Laboratory Module
The tail-to-head method is often useful when working problems. A quick
sketch, rather than measurements, can help verify your solutions.
3.4. Component Method
To add vectors by components, calculate how far each vector extends in each
dimension. The lengths of the x- and y-components of a vector depend on
the length of the vectors and the sine or cosine of its direction, .
3.5. To balance the force table, a force that is equal in magnitude but opposite in
direction denoted as equilibrant, É = - Ŕ
4.0. LEARNING APPARATUS
4.1. Protractor (1)
4.2. Ruler (1)
4.3. Colored pencils (4)
4.4. Graphing paper (1)
5.0. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
5.1. Three (3) force vectors, 5.0 N due east, 4.0N 30 o NE, 3.0N N45oW, record them in
the table. Let 1.00 N = 2.00 cm on graphing paper.
Tail-to-head (Graphical) Method:
5.2. Using a ruler and a protractor, draw the three vectors on the graphing paper
provided, starting each one from the origin. You should place the origin near the
center of the page. Use different colored pencils for each vector.
5.3. Label the three forces vectors.
5.4. Draw vector Á graphically; beginning from the tip (or arrow head) of vector Á
draw vector B́again.
5.5. Next, draw the third vector Ć, beginning from the tip (arrow head) of vector B́.
5.6. Draw the resultant, Ŕ , from the origin to the tip of the last vector drawn, Ć , act
together, they behave as though they were only one force, Ŕ .
5.7. Measure and record the Ŕ using your ruler. Include uncertainty in your
measurement of I ŔI and direction, using your protractor.
5.8. Record the equilibrant that balances the three forces. Note that this has the
same magnitude as Ŕ but different in direction.
5.9. To verify Resultant, Ŕ , compute for resultant using the x and y component
method
6.0. RESULTS AND DICUSSION
6.1. What is a vector?
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6.2. Name a vector quantity and its magnitude.
NMFC1: General Physics 1
Laboratory Module
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6.3. What is a scalar quantity? Give two (2) examples.
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6.4. What is resultant?
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6.5. What is the equilibrant?
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7.0. CONCLUSION
7.1. __________________________________________________________________
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