Intro: In this lab, we will look to practice breaking vectors into components in a coordinate
system and use the components of a vector to find the magnitude of the vector and the angle
describing its direction. By doing this we will look to develop a better understanding of
equilibrium and how to use the equilibrium conditions to solve for an unknown force.
Data: in the spreadsheet submitted with this report
Error analysis: in the spreadsheet submitted with this report
Data analysis:
The data we got from experimenting made answering our questions very easy since we marked
everything clearly on our spreadsheet. This lab was fun too and made me think more about how
equilibrium is reached. I believe I got the learning objectives out of doing this lab.
1. The tension force acts upward and is exerted by the string holding the mass. The
tension force must be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the gravitational
force to keep the mass in equilibrium (not accelerating). Fa1x = -1.19 N and Fa1y = 1.62
N.Fb1x = .735 N & Fb1y = 0 N. Fp1x = .455 N and Fp1y = 1.62 N.
2. Since the mass holder is at equilibrium, from Newton's law of motion, F = mg the tension
of the string must equal the gravitational force of the mass.
X- component of (Fa2x) = cos(0)
=70 * 9.8 * (-1)
=-.686 N
Y- component of (Fa2y) = sin (0)
= 70 * 9.8 * (0)
=0 N
