9/18/13 Alexandra Carroll John Arbucci Andrew DeMarco Grace McLaughlin

Resolution of Vector Components

Purpose The purpose of this lab is to investigate how vectors can be resolved into their components and what we can learn from the individual components. Equipment -String -500 gram weight -Scale -2 Ring Stands

Procedure Measure the tensions and directions of the two strings supporting the weight for as large an angle as you can. Move the weight so that each scale reads the same tension. Measure the total angle between TR and TL. The angle from the vertical is half the total angle. Move the setup so that a smaller angle and significantly different tensions are achieved. Record these and repeat for a total of 4 different trials.

Data

Trial # 1 2 3 4

Total Angle (deg.) 30 60 100 120

Angle from Horizontal ( ) (deg.) 30 55 75 90

TR (N) 5 6 8 9

TL (N) 5 6 8 9

TRX (N) 1.29 2.77 4.87 6.36

TRY (N) 4.83 5.32 6.35 6.36

TLX (N) 1.29 2.77 4.87 6.36

TLY (N) 4.83 5.32 6.35 6.36

Data Analysis Pre Lab 1. Tip-to-Tail Magnitude of total displacement 3.7 km Direction of total displacement 50 2. Mathematically 2.72 + 2.52 =c2 =c 3.7 = c Total Magnitude of displacement 3.7 km Total direction of displacement 55 Main Lab Q1: What is the weight of the mass used in this lab? In what direction does this vector point? 5 Newtons South Q2: Which component (X, or Y) of the strings tension acts to hold up the weight? The y-component

Q3: How much of the weight is supported by each string? 250 grams each Q4: Looking at your completed data table, describe the relationship between the angle from the horizontal and the X component of the tension. Describe the relationship between the angle from the horizontal and the Y component of the tension. The angle from the horizontal and the X component are the same. The angle from the horizontal and the Y component differ. Q5: Mathematically find all the vector components and confirm your calculated data with your scale reading. What is the % difference? 8.5% Q6: If you needed to hang a heavy picture with the weakest possible string, how would you orient the string? Why would you do it this way? I would orient the string at a 0 angle because as the angle gets smaller, the tension gets smaller. Q7: If you hang a picture as shown, would the tension in the string be large or small compared to the weight of the painting? Explain why. The tension would be small compared to the painting because each section of the string holds half of what the weight is.

Q8: The tall towers of the Golden Gate Bridge were difficult to build. Explain why they did not design the bridge with shorter towers. The higher tower can withstand more tension than if the towers were shorter. Conclusion In conclusion, as the angle of the horizontal gets smaller, the tension in the string gets smaller. The mathematical values and the measured values differ, but they are still close.