Mass Density Lab

Author:

Reviewed:

Vectors/Resultant Vector Lab

March 15, 2008

Objective:

Given three vectors with their magnitude and direction, make a hypothesis as to what direction the resultant vector should be and its magnitude. Then test the calculated result using a force table.

Equipment used:

- Force table

- Various sized weights

Procedure:

Part I: Vector 1

1. Draw horizontal adjacent line from tail of vector 1 horizontally in direction of vector 1.

2. Draw vertical opposite line from head of horizontal adjacent line to head of vector 1.

3. Calculate the magnitude of the adjacent line by using cosine multiplied by theta, and then multiply that number by the given magnitude of vector 1.

4. Calculate the magnitude of the opposite line by using sine multiplied by theta, and then multiply that number by the given magnitude of vector 1.

Part II: Vector 2

1. Draw horizontal adjacent line from tail of vector 2 horizontally in direction of vector 2.

2. Draw vertical opposite line from head of horizontal adjacent line to head of vector 2.

3. Calculate the magnitude of the adjacent line by using cosine multiplied by theta, and then multiply that number by the given magnitude of vector 2.

4. Calculate the magnitude of the opposite line by using sine multiplied by theta, and then multiply that number by the given magnitude of vector 2.

Part III: Vector 3

1. Draw horizontal adjacent line from tail of vector 3 horizontally in direction of vector 3.

2. Draw vertical opposite line from head of horizontal adjacent line to head of vector 3.

3. Calculate the magnitude of the adjacent line by using cosine multiplied by theta, and then multiply that number by the given magnitude of vector 3.

4. Calculate the magnitude of the opposite line by using sine multiplied by theta, and then multiply that number by the given magnitude of vector 3.

Part IV: Resultant vector

1. Add the magnitude of adjacent line one, adjacent line two, and adjacent line three together and record. Note the direction of the lines, to the right is positive, to the left is negative.

2. Add the magnitude of opposite line one, opposite line two, and opposite line three together and record. Note the direction of the lines, up is positive, down is negative.

3. Draw horizontal adjacent total line from tail of resultant vector horizontally in direction of resultant vector.

4. Draw vertical opposite total line from head of horizontal adjacent total line to head of resultant vector.

5. Calculate the angle theta (formed by the resultant vector and adjacent