1

PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS LABORATORY

CET 0122.1

Experiment 1 Subject
Code - CET 0112.1-9 Group No Group 4
Section
VECTOR
Course &
ADDITION AND Name: Matt Nicos G. Guevarra
Year:
BSCE 1-1

EQUILIBRIUM OF
Lab Prof. Maculeta E.
Date: 02/03/2022
FORCES Professor: Omiles

OBJECTIVES:

• To demonstrate vector addition using the interactive force table.

• To compare the resultant obtained from force table to the resultant using graphical and analytical
methods.
• To use the force table to experimentally determine the resultant of two and three forces by
directly measuring the equilibrant.
• To determine the net force and acceleration of objects.

PRINCIPLE:

Forces are vector quantities acting on an object. They can be concurrent forces or parallel forces.
Forces that pass through the same point are called Concurrent forces (Fig. 2.1). Concurrent forces can be
demonstrated using a force table. Also, force table is a device used to demonstrate the equilibrant force.
Equilibrant force is a single force that balances the sum of the forces acting on a body. The sum of all forces
acting on the body is called Resultant forces. And the force that balances the effect of all forces acting on
the body is the Equilibrant force. Equilibrant force has the same magnitude as the resultant force but
directly opposite the direction of the resultant force

There are two ways to solve the resultant: Graphical Method and Analytical Method. For the
graphical method, one may choose the Parallelogram method or the Polygon (tip-tail) method. To solve by
graphical solution, vectors are scaled. In the parallelogram method, vectors are drawn from one original
point (origin of the axis). Then, draw vector lines parallel to them connected in their tip ends with their tail-
ends meet at one point. From the origin, draw a line towards the point where the two tail-ends meet. This
line represents the resultant of the two vectors. Alternatively, in the polygon method, the tip-end of one
vector is connected to the tail-end of the second vector. The tip-end of the third vector is then connected
to the tip-end of the second vector. And so on, until the last vector is connected to the others. From the
tail-end of the first vector, draw a line towards the tip-end of the last vector added in the system. This line
represents the resultant of the vectors.

The other solution for adding vector is the Analytical Method. In solving the resultant force, we
will use the following equations:

magnitude of the resultant: |∑𝑛𝑖=1 𝐹⃑𝑖 | = 𝑅 = √𝑅𝑥2 + 𝑅𝑦2 ;

Equation 2.1
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CET 0122.1
𝑛

|∑ 𝐹⃑𝑥𝑖 | = 𝑅𝑥 , 𝑥 − 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑅;
𝑖=1

|∑ 𝐹⃑𝑦𝑖 | = 𝑅𝑦 , 𝑦 − 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑅
𝑖=1

direction of the resultant:

𝑅𝑦
tan 𝜃𝑅 = ; 𝜃𝑅 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑥 Equation 2.2
𝑅𝑥

Since the resultant (R) and the equilibrant (E) have the same magnitude and is oppositely directed, their
sum is equal to zero. Hence, the forces are in equilibrium. That means, the magnitude and directions of the
forces acting on the object are balanced. This is the First Condition for Equilibrium.

PROCEDURES:

I. Equilibrium of Two Concurrent Forces

1. Using the interactive force table - https://www.geogebra.org/m/ygq9m5rd, set m3 , m4 , ϑ3 and
ϑ4 equal to zero.
2. Set the values for 𝑚1 , 𝑚2 , 𝜗1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜗2 .
3. Record the values of R and 𝜗𝑅 .
4. Complete the table in the Laboratory report, with complete solution.
5. Compare your answer with the answers you get from your assignment (Graphical Solution) by
solving their percentage difference.
|𝑅 − 𝑅𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 |
%𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝑥 100
𝑅 + 𝑅𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
( )
2

II. Equilibrium of Three Concurrent Forces

1. Using the interactive force table - https://www.geogebra.org/m/ygq9m5rd, set m4 and
ϑ4 equal to zero.
2. Set the values for 𝜗1 , 𝜗2 , 𝜗3 , 𝑚1 , 𝑚2 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚3 .
3. Record the values of R and 𝜗𝑅 .
4. Complete the table in the Laboratory report, with complete solution.
5. Compare your answer with the answers you get from your assignment (Graphical Solution) by
solving their percentage difference.
|𝑅 − 𝑅𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 |
%𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝑥 100
𝑅 + 𝑅𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
( )
2

III. Equilibrium of Four Concurrent Forces

1. Repeat the same procedures in 1 and II but this time all masses and thetas have values.
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CET 0122.1
Laboratory Report
DATA AND RESULTS:

I. Equilibrium of Two Concurrent Forces - Using the interactive force table -

https://www.geogebra.org/m/ygq9m5rd

Force, N X – component Y – component Position, 𝜽𝒙

𝒎𝟏 (100 g) 0.98 N -0.75 N -0.63 N 220o
𝒎𝟐 (200 g) 1.96 N -1.50 N 1.26 N 140o
R 2.34 N Rx = -2.25 N Ry =0.63 N
𝝑𝑹 15.64o 164.36o
E 2.34 N EX = 2.25 N Ey =-0.63 N
𝝑𝑬 15.64o 344.36o
𝑹𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 2.4 N
𝝑𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 164O
%𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 2.53% 0.22%

Picture of the
Interactive force
table
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CET 0122.1
Computations:
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PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS LABORATORY
CET 0122.1
ANALYSIS:

The observation of the researchers from the Equilibrium of Two Concurrent Forces that have come
up from the Interactive Force Table in which we have set m3, m4, θ 3 and θ 4 equal to zero thus, by setting
our 𝒎𝟏 , = 100g and 𝒎𝟐 = 200g, while θ1 = 220o and θ2 = 140o. Secondly, this experiment have recorded the
values of R in which Rx = -2.25 N and Ry =0.63 N using the formula 𝑹 = √𝑹𝟐𝒙 + 𝑹𝟐𝒚 to find the simulation
𝑹𝒚
which is 2.34N. Hence, after that we proceed to finding the value of 𝜗𝑅 using the formula 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽𝑹 = in
𝑹𝒙
which 𝜃𝑅 is the angle with respect to x from the direction. However, the resultant lies around clockwise as
shown in the Interactive table of force which the position of 𝛉𝑹 = 164.34 o which is placed on the 2nd
quadrant, while 𝛉𝑬 = 344.36o that is placed on the 4th quadrant making the resultant look like a slope. The
equilibrant’s magnitude is the same as the resultant which is 2.34N but its Ex and Ey are the opposite values
obtain in resultant which is 2.25N and -0.63N. The resultant and the equilibrant’s direction are the same
which has a value of 15.64oAfter compiling the table and comparing the two graphical solutions, the
laboratory report for the table I have been concluded our answers that have been formed through which
shows the way on how we solve to build our force table from its set of values by completing the table I
with complete solution. Lastly, the computed value of percentage difference using the formula for the
|𝑅− 𝑅𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 |
resultant which is %𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝑅+ 𝑅𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑥 100 with the value of 2.53% and for the direction
( )
2
|𝛉− 𝛉𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 |
%𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝛉+ 𝛉𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑥 100 is equal to 0.22%
( )
2
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CET 0122.1

II. Equilibrium of Three Concurrent Forces - Using the interactive force table -
https://www.geogebra.org/m/ygq9m5rd

Force, N X – component Y – component Position, 𝜽𝒙

𝒎𝟏 (100 g) 0.98 N -0.75 N -0.63 N 220o
𝒎𝟐 (200 g) 1.96 N -1.50 N 1.26 N 140o
𝒎𝟑 (300 g) 2.94 N 0N 2.94 N 90o
R 4.22 N Rx = -2.25 N Ry =3.57 N
𝝑𝑹 57.78o 122.22o
E 4.22 N EX = 2.25 N Ey =-3.57 N
𝝑𝑬 57.78o 302.22o
𝑹𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 4.2 N
𝝑𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 122O
%𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 0.48% 0.18%

Picture of the
Interactive force
table
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Computations:
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CET 0122.1
ANALYSIS:

The set values on table 2 have masses and angles of 100g with a position of 220°, 200g with a
position of 140°, and 300g with a position of 90°. The given masses are then converted into newton and the
solved forces for m1 is 0.98N, 1.96N for m2, and 2.94N for m3. The x and y-component are the next one
computed. M1 (100g) has an x-component of -0.75N and y-component of -0.63N. It means that the values
are correct since F1 is located on quadrant 3 which is on the negative x and y axis. Meanwhile, the x-
component of m2 (200g) is -1.50 N which is negative, and the y-component is 1.26 N which is positive,
confirms F2 which is located on the 2nd quadrant that is on the negative x-axis and positive y-axis. On the
other hand, since F3 is located exactly on the positive y-axis, and m3 (300g) has an x-component equal to
0N and a y-component equal to 2.94 N, the given values are also true. The x and y-component of the
Resultant (R) is also correct because it is located on quadrant 2, and the values of Rx and Ry are -2.25 N and

3.57 N respectively. Furthermore, the formula used to find the resultant’s magnitude is 𝑅 = √𝑅𝑥2 + 𝑅𝑦2 ,
𝑅𝑦
and the computed value is 4.22N. Meanwhile, the formula used for the resultant’s direction is 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 =
𝑅𝑥
, and the computed value is 57.78°. The magnitude of the Equilibrium (E) is also 4.22N since it is the same as
the resultant and the value of Ex and Ey are the opposite of the resultant which are 2.25N and -3.57N
respectively. The location of the Equilibrium (E) is on quadrant 4 which is confirmed by the values of Ex and
Ey, which is the opposite of Rx and Ry of the Resultant (R). And finally, to solve for the percentage
|𝑅− 𝑅𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 |
difference, the formula used is %𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝑅+ 𝑅𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑥 100 . The percentage difference for the
( )
2
magnitude is 0.48%, while for the direction is 0.18%.
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III. Equilibrium of Four Concurrent Forces – Using the interactive force table –
https://www.geogebra.org/m/ygq9m5rd

Force, N X – component Y – component Position, 𝜽𝒙

𝒎𝟏 (100 g) 0.98 N -0.75 N -0.63 N 220o
𝒎𝟐 (200 g) 1.96 N -1.50 N 1.26 N 140o
𝒎𝟑 (300 g) 2.94 N 0N 2.94 N 90o
𝒎𝟒 (400 g) 3.92 N 2.52 N 3N 50o
R 6.58 N Rx = 0.27 N Ry =6.57 N
𝝑𝑹 92.35o 87.65o
E 6.58 N EX = -0.27 N Ey =-6.57 N
𝝑𝑬 92.35o 267.65o
𝑹𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 6.7 N
𝝑𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 88O
%𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 1.81% 0.40%

Picture of the
Interactive
force table
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CET 0122.1

Computations:
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CET 0122.1

ANALYSIS:

The masses used in this table are the following: 100g, 200g, 300g, and 400g. And for the angle
are the following: 220o, 140o, 90o, and 50o. The first step is to convert the masses into kilograms so that
we can calculate and solve for the force. The calculated forces are 0.98N for M1, 1.96N for M2, 2.94N for
M3, and 3.92N for M4. The computed value for the x-component of M1 is -0.75N, -1.50N for M2, 0(zero)N
for M3, and 2.52N for M4 using the formula Fcos 𝜽. These four values are being added to find the value of
Rx which is 0.27N. On the other hand, the computed value for the y-component of M1 is -0.63N, 1.26N for
M2, 2.94N for M3, and 3N for M4 using the formula Fsin 𝜽. These four values are being added to find the
value of Ry which is 6.57N. To calculate the resultant’s magnitude, the experimenter uses the formula
𝑅 = √𝑅𝑥2 + 𝑅𝑦2 , and the calculated value is 6.58N. While the calculated value of resultant’s direction
𝑅𝑦
using the formula 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 = is 0.40o. The equilibrant’s magnitude is the same as the resultant which is
𝑅𝑥
6.58N but its Ex and Ey are the opposite values obtained in the resultant which is -0.27N and -6.57N. The
resultant and the equilibrant’s direction are the same which has a value of 0.40o. In solving for the
graphical solution based on the Polygon method or the tip-tail method and the use of protractor and
ruler. The location of the Equilibrium (E) is on the third quadrant which is confirmed by the values of Ex
and Ey, which is the opposite of Rx and Ry of the Resultant (R). And finally, to solve for the percentage
|𝑅− 𝑅𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 |
difference, the formula used is %𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝑅+ 𝑅𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑥 100 as the percentage difference of the
( )
2

magnitude is 1.81%, and the direction is 0.40%

CONCLUSION:

The clarified objectives for force decision-making while testing the experiment. Demonstrating
what the vector addition involves the position of the angle and its distance which affects on the resultant
vector with the use of interactive force table as an illustration to visualize the whole representation of the
vectors. In calculating the force, two methods are introduced specifically the graphical and analytical
method. The Graphical method uses the tip-tail method while the Analytical method uses Pythagorean
theorem and Trigonometric Identities to determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector.

Furthermore, it introduced the comparison of the measurement between the graphical method
and the analytical method of the resultant and its position angle. Basis from the different data gathered
specifically from table 1-3. The percentage difference ranges from 0.18% to 2.8%, it still shows how accurate
both methods are but in terms on more precision between the two methods, analytical method is more
preferrable to used which further introduce the value of graphical method as representation and to check
properly by illustration on how the resultant, the vectors, and the angles were positioned on its right
measurement and angle.

The resultant pressure from the force table is within the opposite path to the balancer, but it is the
same value. The competing forces achieve equilibrium when the sum of their forces is equals to zero.
According to the first equilibrium circumstance, the sum of all forces acting on a frame or machine is zero.
Considering the matters within the context of the first circumstance. We must include all vectors. Taking
note that forces are vectors. All three vectors are covered by the force table. The fourth vector is
determined by transferring the great point. Connected at the proper angles, with a suitable mass
connected to the clamp. Achieving the equilibrium within the test while the hoop moved to the center of
the force table. The objective is to differentiate between vector and scalar quantities. Furthermore,
applying forces within the limits of the test. Not only that but knowing that forces have direction and value
because they provide with mass and angle. We can clearly say that we are applying vector quantities
because of this force is a vector quantity. The scalar amount includes the best value, but no path. As the
compensating one, the resultant has the same value as the compensating one. Balancing is what brings the
result into balance. We can say that the result is contained within the contrary route to the equalization
route.
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CET 0122.1

QUESTIONS:
1. Show that the forces and its equilibrant in Table 1. will conform to Sine law.

The data from the Table 1 does not conform with Sine Law. These are the following observations
or reasons why it does not conform to Sine Law. (1) The answers from the law itself has different result or
unequal result between the mass 1, mass 2 and the resultant. (2) The sum of the exterior angles from the
mass are more than 360o which affected the result. (3) The summation of the interior angles is more than
180o specifically the interior angle of the resultant does not have its supplement angle which didn’t
conform to the Sine Law.

2. If two vectors have the unequal magnitude, can their resultant be equal to zero?

No, it will only be possible if there are three vectors involved. Considering that it will only be possible
to have unequal magnitude in terms of their different direction like adding 4 m East and -4 m West,
expecting the resultant will be zero. The question only states unequal magnitude and assuming from the
question the two vectors have the same direction, then it is impossible to have zero as the resultant.