Name: Pialante, Mary Angel S.

Date: September 24, 2023

Offering No.: N466 – Phys 21n Score:

EXPERIMENT NO. 1
VECTORS

INTRODUCTION
A vector is a measurement characterized by both its magnitude and the specific
direction it points in. Typically, it is depicted as an arrow, aligning with the direction of the
quantity it represents, and its length is indicative of the magnitude of that quantity. While a
vector possesses magnitude and direction, it lacks a specific position. In other words, as long
as its length remains constant, a vector remains unaltered even when it's shifted parallel to its
original orientation. Vectors can be quantified using graphical and analytical/computational
method. In graphical method, parallelogram and polygon methods are used. On the other hand,
in analytical method cosine law and component method are used. Shown below are the different
methods in calculating the resultant vector which represents the total force:
Graphical Method
1. Parallelogram
The vector resolution technique known as the parallelogram method entails the
utilization of a meticulously drawn and scaled vector diagram to ascertain the vector's
constituent parts. In simple terms, this method involves creating a scaled representation of the
vector in its specified direction, enclosing it within a parallelogram where the vector serves as
the diagonal, and then using the scale to determine the magnitudes of the components (which
are the sides of the parallelogram). If one wishes to find the components aligned with the
conventional x- and y-coordinate axes, the parallelogram becomes a rectangle, with sides
extending vertically and horizontally.
2. Polygon
Polygon law of vector addition, also known as triangle method or head-to-tail method,
states that if a number of vectors can be represented in magnitude and direction by the sides of
a polygon taken in the same order, then their resultant is represented in magnitude and direction
by the closing side of the polygon taken in the opposite order. Polygon method also use a scale
to find the resultant vector. Ruler and protractor are needed.
Analytical Method
1. Cosine Law
Law of cosines signifies the relation between the lengths of sides of a triangle with
respect to the cosine of its angle. It is also called the cosine rule. In this method, the head and
tail principle is used in making a vector diagram and the resultant is computed using the cosine
law equation, R² = A² + B² - 2ABcosθ, where the angle R is referred to as the magnitude of
resultant vector, A and B are the vectors magnitudes, and θ is the included angle.
2. Component Law
The component law in vectors, also known as the vector component method or vector
resolution, is a technique used to break down a vector into its individual components in a
coordinate system, typically the x and y (or i and j) axes in two dimensions. This method is
particularly useful when you want to analyze the effect of a vector in a specific direction or
when you need to perform vector operations, such as vector addition or subtraction. To
determine the resultant, the Pythagorean theorem R2 = X2 + Y2 is used, where R is the resultant,
X is the total value of the x-components, and Y is total value of the y-component.
OBJECTIVES
1. Define vector quantities.
2.Determine the resultant of any number of forces.
3.Differentiate the resultant from the equilibrant.

MATERIALS
• Ballpen
• Pencil
• Calculator
• Ruler
• Protractor
• Bond paper
• Graphing paper

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

https://www.controlaltachieve.com/2016/01/best-
protractor-ruler-chrome.html

https://pngimg.com/image/3858

https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.qz0bRVqN9ot0VO
iOI1q56QHaKe?pid=ImgDet&rs=1
DATA TABLES
Two Equal Forces
1. By experiment:
Using equal weights on strings passing over pulleys as shown in Figure 1. Record the forces
𝐹1 = 200𝑁, 𝐹2 = 200𝑁, and 𝐹3 = 200𝑁 and the angles between the forces are <1=120°,
<2=120°, and <3=120°.

Figure 1. Two forces and Three forces Set-up

2. By Parallelogram
Scale: 1cm = 40N
𝟏𝟐𝟎
Given: 𝐹1 = 200 𝑁 𝐹1 = = 𝟓 𝒄𝒎
𝟒𝟎
𝟏𝟐𝟎
𝐹2 = 200 𝑁 𝐹2 = = 𝟓 𝒄𝒎
𝟒𝟎

𝐹2 𝑚 𝐹1 𝑚

𝜃 = 120°
𝐹1 = 200 𝑁 𝐹2 = 200 𝑁
5 cm 5 cm

Figure 2. Two forces Parallelogram

3. By Polygon
Scale: 1cm = 40N
Given: 𝜃 = 60°
𝟏𝟐𝟎
𝐹1 = 200 𝑁 𝐹1 = = 𝟓 𝒄𝒎
𝟒𝟎
𝟏𝟐𝟎
𝐹2 = 200 𝑁 𝐹2 = = 𝟓 𝒄𝒎
𝟒𝟎

𝐹2 = 200 𝑁
5 cm

𝜃 = 60O R

𝐹1 = 200 𝑁
5 cm

Figure 3. Two forces Polygon

4. Cosine Law
𝐑𝟐 = 𝑭𝟐𝟏 + 𝑭𝟐𝟐 − 𝟐𝑭𝟏 𝑭𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽
Given:
𝐹1 = 200 𝑁 𝜃 = 60°
𝐹2 = 200 𝑁
Required:
𝑅 =?
Solution:

√𝑅 2 = √𝐹12 + 𝐹22 − 2𝐹1 𝐹2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

𝑅 = √2002 + 2002 − 2(200)(200)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

𝑅 = √40000
𝑹 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝑵
5. Component method

𝐹1𝑦
𝐹2𝑦
𝜃 = 30° 𝜃 = 30°
𝐹1𝑥 𝐹2𝑥
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
𝐑 =𝑿 +𝒀
∑𝑥 2 = −(200𝑐𝑜𝑠30°) + (200𝑐𝑜𝑠30°) = 02 = 0
∑𝑦 2 = (200𝑠𝑖𝑛30°) + (200𝑠𝑖𝑛30°) = 2002 = 40000

𝑅 = √∑𝒙𝟐 + ∑𝒚𝟐

𝑅 = √0 + 40000

𝑅 = √40000

𝑹 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝑵

Three Equal Forces

1. By Polygon
Given: 𝜃 = 60°
𝟏𝟐𝟎
𝐹1 = 200 𝑁 𝐹1 = = 𝟓 𝒄𝒎
𝟒𝟎
𝟏𝟐𝟎
𝐹2 = 200 𝑁 𝐹2 = = 𝟓 𝒄𝒎
𝟒𝟎
𝟏𝟐𝟎
𝐹3 = 200 𝑁 𝐹3 = = 𝟓 𝒄𝒎
𝟒𝟎

𝐹2 = 200 𝑁
5 cm
R
𝜃 = 60 O

𝐹1 = 200 𝑁
5 cm
2. By Component Method
𝐑𝟐 = 𝑿𝟐 + 𝒀𝟐

∑𝑥 2 = −(200𝑐𝑜𝑠30°) + (200𝑐𝑜𝑠30°) + 0 = 02 = 0
∑𝑦 2 = (200𝑠𝑖𝑛30°) + (200𝑠𝑖𝑛30°) + (−200𝑁) = 02 = 0

𝑅 = √∑𝒙𝟐 + ∑𝒚𝟐

𝑅 = √0 + 0

𝑅 = 0𝑁

Table 1. Data Table

Trial F1 F2 <1 F3 ϵ R Rpoly Rcos Rcomp

Two forces 200N 200N 120° 200N 200N 200N 200N 200N 200N
Three forces 200N 200N 120° 200N 0N N/A 0N N/A 0N

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:
1. For the two equal forces, what are the relation of F3, and the resultant of F1 and F2?
It can be deduce that the magnitude of F3 equals the magnitude of the resultant forces
produced by combining F2 and F1, and this inference is consistent with the outcomes obtained
from both the polygon method and the component method. Therefore, we can say that F3 and
the resultant vector formed by combining F1 and F2 vectors implies that the forces are in a
state of equilibrium.
2. How do you compare the resultant's value using the analytical methods to that of the
graphical methods?
In describing the value of the resultant in the analytical method, it is primarily referring
to its magnitude, which is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem and expressed with
appropriate units. The magnitude of the resultant represents how "big" or "strong" the resultant
vector is. On the other hand, the resultant vector in graphical method is referring to the
magnitude and direction of the resultant vector that is visually represented on a vector diagram
or graph. This description includes measurements and units for the magnitude, the angle of
direction, and potentially an interpretation in the context of the problem being analyzed.
3. What is the difference between equilibrant and resultant?
An equilibrant is a force which brings a body into mechanical equilibrium. Therefore,
an equilibrant force is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the resultant of all the
other forces acting on a body. While, resultant is a single force or vector that represents the
combined effect or outcome of multiple forces acting on an object. It is the net force that takes
into account both the magnitude and direction of these individual forces. When several forces
act on an object, they can be mathematically added together to find the resultant force, which
represents the overall effect on the object's motion or equilibrium.
CONCLUSION:
The experiment conducted illustrates and defines vector as a measurement
characterized by both its magnitude and the specific direction it points in. The resultant vector
of two-forces and three-forces was also identified through the use of both the graphical and
analytical methods. In graphical approach, parallelogram and polygon method was used, while
in analytical method cosine law and component method was used. In the results, it showed that
in two forces, using the analytical method it both results the resultant of F1 and F2 is equal to
200 N and a length of 5 cm. On the other hand, in three equal forces, the resultant value was 0
N. The result inferred in two forces is that vectors representing forces acting on an object are
typically equal and opposite when the object is in a state of equilibrium. While, on three forces
the polygon is in a closed triangle and thus when added with vectors, the resultant vector is
zero. In summary, vectors are a fundamental tool in mathematics and physics as it represents
physical quantities that have both magnitude and direction. It also helps in stability and strength
of a structure.

REFERENCES:

Jackson, G. (2023, May 23). What is polygon method in physics? [fact checked!]. Physics
Network. https://physics-network.org/what-is-polygon-method-in-physics/

Barwad, R. (2014, August 16). Difference between resultant and equilibrants. Polytechnic
Hub. https://www.polytechnichub.com/difference-between-resultant-and-equilibrants/

Vector resolution: Finding the components of a vector. The Physics Classroom. (n.d.).
https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/vectors/Lesson-1/Vector-
Resolution#:~:text=A%20step-by-
step%20procedure%20for%20using%20the%20parallelogram%20method,to%20scale
%20in%20the%20indicated%20direction.%20More%20items

Admin. (2019, October 25). What is the difference between resultant and equilibrium?.
TeachersCollegesj. https://teacherscollegesj.org/what-is-the-difference-between-
resultant-and-
equilibrium/#:~:text=Resultant%20is%20a%20single%20force%20that%20can%20repl
ace,and%20resultant%20have%20equal%20magnitudes%20but%20opposite%20directi
ons.