LAB 1: VECTOR

GROUP LECTURES:

GROUP MEMBERS (PLEASE WRITE YOUR MATRIX NUMBER)

1.
2.
3.
4.

DATE:

LECTURER’S NAME:

Students are required to write lab reports by group.

There are two ways to collect data for the lab Vector:
Data collected through lab activities and data that
students must collect through simulation. Data from
lab activities will be given by the lecturer.

1
1. Title: VECTOR

2. Objective: To determine the weight of an object by constructing a vector diagram of

the forces acting on the object.

3. Apparatus:

Lab activity (Video):

Newton scales, strings, board and paper, protractor, ruler, slotted weight (8 x 10 g, 4x 50
g), weight holder (10 g) and pointers.

Simulation:

Strings, board, protractor, ruler, hanging weight (50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 g), wood, stone,
steel.

4. Theory

When an object does not move or rotate through space, it is said to be in static equilibrium.
The sum of the external forces acting on the object must be zero; the sum of the external
torques is also zero (recall forces add as vectors).

Tensions and weights will be the parameters in this lab. The magnitude of the weights will
be determined by using known masses and applying formula W = mg. In addition, the
direction of weight is considered to be vertically down. Since the masses are in a static
equilibrium, the tensions can be calculated. Using a protractor to measure angles
(directions), we may apply the concept of vector addition, i.e. choosing a coordinate system.
By splitting the forces into the components of the coordinate system and adding the
components, the weight of the object can be determined.

Using the static equilibrium condition,

 F =0
x

 F =0
y

 = 0
where F is force and  is torque.

2
5. Procedures (Lab Activity)

i. Set up the apparatus as shown in Figure 1. Make sure that both Newton scales are
set to 0 N.
ii. Hang the 10 g weight holder to the knot.
iii. Place the center of protractor behind the knot
iv. Place the pointers behind the string to record the angle as in Figure 1. (α1 and α2).
v. Determine the forces of each string. Tabulate the results obtained in Table 1a.
vi. Increase the mass by adding (10 g, 50 g, 100 g and 150 g slotted weight to the
weight holder.
vii. Repeat step iv and v.

Figure 1 a - Set up figure

3
Procedures (Simulation)

Link : http://amrita.olabs.edu.in/?sub=1&brch=5&sim=20&cnt=4

i. Set up the apparatus as shown in Figure 2. Make sure the magnitudes of both
hanging weights are the same.
ii. Select the first object (wood) and hang it at the center of the board.
iii. Insert 50 g hanging weights at both sides.
iv. Place the center of protractor.
v. Record the angles and values of tensions as in Figure 2. (α1 and α2).
vi. Repeat steps (iii) until (v) by increase the mass for both sides. Repeat the experiment
with other objects (steel and stone).

α2
α1
T1
T2

m1 m2
W

object

Assume smooth pulleys

Figure 2 Schematic diagram

4
6. Result and Data Analysis

i). Fill in the data obtained in Table below.

• ( ) – Please write the unit .

Table 1 (Lab Activity- Video)

No. F1 ( ) F2 ( )
Mass, m ( ) α1 ( ) α2 ( )

1 10
2 50
3 100
4 150

Table 2 (Simulation)

No Object m1 ( ) m2 ( ) α1 ( ) α2 ( ) T1 ( ) T2 ( )

50 50
60 60
1 Wood
70 70
80 80

No Object m1 ( ) m2 ( ) α1 ( ) α2 ( ) T1 ( ) T2 ( )

50 50
60 60
2 Steel
70 70
80 80

No Object m1 ( ) m2 ( ) α1 ( ) α2 ( ) T1 ( ) T2 ( )

50 50
60 60
3 Stone
70 70
80 80

5
i) Sketch a vector diagram of each of the mass obtained in Table 1.

ii) Sketch a vector diagram for each object (select two pairs of hanging mass only) in
Table 2.

iii) Compute the weights based on the vector diagram (i) and (ii)

7. Discussion

i ) Compare each of the calculated weight (vector diagram) with actual weight
according to (ii*).

ii) Explain any sources of error that may occur throughout the data collection process.

8 . Conclusion

9. References

6
Appendix: