DATA SHEET

Actual Values
F1
F2
F3
F4
1
2
3
4

Trial 1
65g
70g
90g
80g
46o
114o
217o
314o

Trial 2
33g
60g
10g
80g
83o
134.6o
219o

Table 2. Actual Values

Trial 1
Actual =314

Actual R= F4= 80g

COMPUTED
VALUES
R

Polygon
Method
80g
314o

% error
(polygon
method)
0%
0%

Component
Method
79.0164g
314.3049

% error
(component
method)
1.2295%
0.0987%

Trial 2
Actual =321

Actual R= F4= 80g

COMPUTE D
VALUES

Polygon
Method

78.5g
318o

% error
(polygon
method)
1.91%
0.94%

Component
Method
79.19g
316.75o

% error
(component method)
1.02%
1.35%

GUIDE QUESTIONS

1. Why is it important for the ring to be at the center? Since the mass hangers have equal
masses, can you disregard them in the experiment? Why?
-In regards with the mass of the hangers, if we ignore their masses, we will acquire
erroneous result. Suppose that in F1+F2+F3 = 0, if we change the mass in a given force,
the equilibrium will be affected and it will not be zero anymore.
2. When a pull is applied on the ring and then released, why does it sometimes fail to return to
the center?
-When you pull the string, you apply external force which disturbs the equilibrium.
In our experiment, there are only four concurrent forces and the sum of these must equal to
zero. If ever an external force is applied, a total of five forces is currently acting on the
system therefore the equilibrium will not be equal to zero anymore.
3. What is the significance of the resultant

1 , 2, 3 to the remaining force 4 ? What generalization can you make regarding their
relationships?
-The resultant

1 , 2, 3 must be equal to 4 in terms of the magnitude but they differ in direction. Therefore, 4
is the equilibrant of

1 , 2, 3
4. If the order of adding vectors is changed (i.e from

1 +2+3 to

1 ,2,3 ) will the resultant be different? Why?

-No, there will be no difference because addition of vectors follows associative law which
states that vector can be added in any order. The resultant will be the same.
5. Which method of the resultant is more a) efficient, b) accurate, c) practical or convenient to
use? Defend your answer.
a. Efficient Polygon Method
-Efficiency means to work with less effort. Tracing the vectors then measuring them by
ruler and protractor is less work. You only draw and measure. Thats it and it is very

simple.
b. Accurate Component Method
-The Component Method is the most accurate because you can calculate up to 3 4
decimal places accurately. Also in the experiment, it shows less percentage error than the
Polygon Method.
c. Practical Force Table (Experimental) Method
-It is the most practical because of the reason of it is designed for actual use. You actually
measure and test the directions and masses to get a resultant. You are practicing in a trial
and error way so therefore it is more practical to use.

PROBLEMS

1. Given the following concurrent forces:

F1=5N, North;

F2=7N, 30 N of W;

F3=10N, 75 W of S

Determine a) F1+ F2 b) F2- F1 c) F3+ F1- F2

F1
F2

a)

x - component
5cos90 = 0
7cos150 = -6.06
-6.06

y - component
5sin90 = 5
7sin150 = 3.5
8.5

x - component
7cos150 = -6.06
7cos195 = -6.76
0.70

y - component
7sin150 = 3.5
7sin195 = -1.81
5.31

F1+ F2

F2
-(F3)

R=( x + x)=((6.06)2 + (8.5)2 )=10.44

= tan1 = tan1 | 8.5 6.06| = 54.51 (quadrant II)
= 180 - 54.51 = 125.49
b.) F2 - F3

R=( x + x)= ((0.70)2 + (5.31)2)= 5.36N

= artctan ( / )= arctan | 5.31 0.70| = 82.49 (quadrant I) = 82.49

c.) F3 + F1 - F2
R=( x + x)= ((0.69)2 + (0.31)2 )= 0.76N

= arctan ( / ) = arctan | 0.31 0.69| = 24.19 (quadrant III)

= 180 + 24.19 = 204.19

2. Given the following concurrent forces A, B, and C, determine the resultant.

A = 3 + 2 + 4
B = -2 + 6 - 7
C = 5 - 4 + 9
R = (3 -2 +5) + (2 + 6 4) + (4 7 + 9) = 6 + 4 + 6
3. Given the following concurrent forces:
F1 = 10 N at 37 N of W
F1
F2
F3
F4

x - component
10cos143 = -7.99
15cos90 = 0
0
-8
-15.99

y - component
10sin143 = 6.02
15sin90 = 15
0
12
33.02

z - component
0
0
14
4
18

F2 = 15 N, north
F3 = 14 N toward the negative z-axis
F4 = (-8 + 12 + 4 )N
F3
F1
-(F2)

x - component
7cos195 = -6.76
5cos90 = 0
7cos150 = -6.06
-0.69

y - component
7sin195 = -1.81
5sin90 = 5
7sin150 = 3.5
-0.31

R=( x + x + x )=((15.99)2 + (33.02)2 + (18)2 )=

40.87N