E101: Resolution of Forces

Sakilan, Anizza Marie D.

PHY10L/A6
CE/2

1. INTRODUCTION
This experiment is all about the resolution of forces. The objectives of this experiment is to analyze the
components of force, determine the resultant and equilibrant and compare the results of the given methods.
2. METHODOLOGY
Three methods were used in this experiment. First is by trial and error. Four pulleys with mass hangers are
attached to a force table. Weights are then added into each mass hanger. The angle of the strings were
adjusted and the weights are varied. This will determine the equilibrant (F4). Another way is by graphical
method. Vectors are drawn using measuring tools to determine the resultant. Lastly, the value of the
resultant is computed using formulas in analytical method.
3. DATA AND RESULTS
After the experiment, the obtained resultant using the force table was 121g at 180° on the first trial and a
resultant of 73g at 327° on the second trial. A resultant of 122g at 180° on the first trial and a resultant of
74g at 328° on the second trial was obtained using graphical method. By analytical method, a resultant of
121.3909g at 180.0379° on the first trial and a resultant of 73.2776g at 327.3242° was obtained on the
second trial.
4. ANALYSIS
This experiment shows how the resultant vector is determined using three different methods. In these
methods, there are factors that might cause errors. The difficulty of getting the value of the resultant when
using the force table is balancing the white plastic ring on the center. A lot of adjustments were made with
the position of the pulley and the loaded mass to acquire the most accurate resultant value. On the other
hand, the method that will have the most possible sources of human error is the graphical method. Since
the vectors are drawn, there is a possibility to make a lot of mistakes due to inaccurate measurements,
unsteady hands and incorrect scaling. The method that will have the least amount of errors is the analytical
method. Since the resultant value is computed mathematically, there is a high chance that the result will be
accurate. The values obtained from these methods should be at least close to one another. Otherwise, the
percent error value will be high. From the data gathered, the highest percentage error acquired is 1.3699%
which is from the trial 2 of the graphical method. Therefore, the most accurate way to determine the
resultant vector is by analytical method.