STUDENT’S WORKSHEET

ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION OF VECTOR

Subject : Physics
Topic : Addition and Subtraction of Vektor
Grade/Semester : X/Odd
Time : 2 x 45 minute

A. Standard Competence
Apply the concept of the measurement of physical quantities.

B. Besic Competence
Do the addition of the vectors.

C. Aim
To determine how the vector sum of any two forces acting at a point in equilibrium, is related
to a third forxce acting at the same point

D. Background
When you asked to add two numbers, for example 3 and 4, you can answer by 7 directly. But in
adding the vector such as forces, then the sum is not always 7, because of the way is different.
Adding the vector is not same with adding the algebra.
Find it in these activities!

E. Apparatus
spring balance
paper (30 cm x 40 cm)
rubber bracelet/ string
pin
table
protector

F. Procedures:
a. Put the paper on the table, and the angle gives pin.
b. Arrange the apparatus based on the figure above, then pull both of the spring balance until
the rubber bracelet is stress (has addition of length). Give a sign by point O on the paper
exactly in the end of the rubber. Give sign by point P and Q on the paper exactly under the
each of string. Write the number that shows in the each of the spring balance scale.
c. Do the activity b, but only use one spring balance as shows in figure bellow, until the position
of the end of the rubber exactly in point O again.

Sign the paper by point S exactly under the string. Write the number shows on the spring
balance scale.
d. Do the activities b and c for the different angle on the different paper.

Discussion:
Make the relation between point O and P, O and Q, O and S on the each of paper. Draw force F1
on OP, F2 on OQ and force R on OS based on the number shows in the each of the spring
balance scale. (1 length scale = 1 force scale). F1 and F2 on the activity 2 can be changed by R
in activity:
a. Compare the value of (F1 + F2) with R………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………(1)

Relate the end of F1; F2 with the end of R.

What will happen on it?.............................................................................................(2)
Give your reasons!..................................................................................................... (3)
2. Fill the data on the table bellow:
No F1 F2 θ R R2 F12 + F22 + 2 F1 F2 Cosθ
(N) (N)

1 2 3 4 5 6

1.

2.

3.
Compare the value in column 5 and 6………………………………………………….. (4)
If the weaknesses that can influence the result or the deviation is small. Make your conclusion,
write that relation!......................................................................................... (5)
Do the activity such as the activity d (3 times) with the position of O on the other paper. Draw
force F1, F2 and R in each paper according to the number in each spring balance scale. Draw the
straight line under the two of the forces F, those are fig. X, fig Y as the figure bellow:

Then relate the end of R with F1; F2. What is the form of that relationship of each
axis ? ......................................................................................................................................... (6)
If the angle of X axis and R is θ , determine the magnitude of F1, F2 in R and θ
F1 = ……………………………………………………………………………. (7)
F2 = ……………………………………………………………………………. (8)
INFORMATION
According to the data above, a vector R can be subtracted into the components on X axis and Y
axis. (to be the two of perpendicular component).

Padang January 2009

Known by
Head Master of SMA 1 Padang Physics Teacher

Drs Jufril Siry,M.M Misnawati S,Pd

Nip;131885527 Nip: 131898756