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Vectors Addition Problem Set

This document provides instructions for a group activity on adding vectors graphically and analytically. Students will use an online simulation to add 2D vectors using the head-to-tail method and calculate the resultant vector's magnitude and direction analytically. Formulas for vector components, magnitude, and direction are provided. Students will then practice adding 2 or 3 vectors and calculating percentage error between analytical and graphical results.

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Zhaine
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207 views5 pages

Vectors Addition Problem Set

This document provides instructions for a group activity on adding vectors graphically and analytically. Students will use an online simulation to add 2D vectors using the head-to-tail method and calculate the resultant vector's magnitude and direction analytically. Formulas for vector components, magnitude, and direction are provided. Students will then practice adding 2 or 3 vectors and calculating percentage error between analytical and graphical results.

Uploaded by

Zhaine
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Group Activity

Vectors Addition
Group Members Name:

What are we going to learn?


We are going to learn how to add two and three vector
displacements both graphically and analytically.

Formulas needed:
𝐴𝑥 = 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃)
𝐴𝑦= 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜃)
𝑅𝑥 = 𝐴𝑥+ 𝐵𝑥 + 𝐶𝑥
𝑅𝑦 = 𝐴𝑦 + 𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶𝑦

|𝑅| = √(𝑅𝑥 )2 + (𝑅𝑦 )2


𝑅𝑦
𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )
𝑅𝑥
% Error = |experimental value - accepted value|
accepted value x 100

Procedure:
Open the link below and choose “Explore 2D”
https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/vector-
addition/latest/vector-addition_en.html

Use the simulation to compare the resultant vector to your


answer by using the graphical/head to tail method.
Theory:
Physical quantities can be classified into two main categories:
• Scalar – is a quantity that has only a magnitude.
Example – distance, speed
• Vector – is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. It is represented graphically as a
directed line segment. The length of the line represents the vector’s magnitude and the line’s
angle with respect to some coordinate system specifies the vector’s direction.
Example – displacement,velocity
Graphical Method:
When solving for the resultant force R ⃗ =A⃗ +B ⃗ graphically you need to use a ruler and a
protractor. By using the method of head to tail, you draw vector A and at the tip of the vector you
draw vector B with its tail on the tip of vector A. The resultant vector R would be from the tail of
A to the tip of B.
Analytical Method:
To solve for the resultant vector analytically, these steps should be followed:
1. Resolve the vectors into their components F1x, F1y, F2x, F2y ….
2. Find the x component resultant Rx = F1x + F2x + ….
3. Find the y component resultant Ry = F1y + F2y + ….

4. Find the magnitude of the resultant |RR| = √((Rx)^2+(Ry)^2 )

5. Find the direction of the resultant force θ=tan^(-1)(Ry/Rx)

The resultant vector of adding two forces:


The magnitude and direction of 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ in the table
below are given, calculate the components of x and y and
the resultant force using the analytical method.
Table (1)
Force(N) Magnitude(N) Direction x-component y-component
(degree)
𝑎⃗ 7.3 𝟕𝟒. 𝟏°
𝑏⃗⃗ 5.8 𝟑𝟏. 𝟎°
⃗⃗
𝒔
Calculate the percentage error:

____________________________

Paste your graph here


Group Activity
Vectors Addition

The resultant vector of adding three forces:

Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector


using the analytical method. Forces(vectors) are given
in the table.

Table (2)

Force Magnitude Direction x-component y-component


(N) (N) (degree)
→ 11.2 10.3°
𝒂
→ 6.7 63.4°
𝒃
→ 13.0 180.0°
𝒄
→
𝒔

Calculate the percentage error:

___________________________

Paste your graph here


Group Activity
Vectors Addition

Questions:

Specify whether the following are vector of scalar?


Quantity Category (Vector or Scalar)
a. 5m
b. 5mi., North
c. 256 bytes
d. 30m/sec, East
e. 20 degree Celsius

What are the differences and similarities between the


resultant and the equilibrant force?
Write a conclusion of what you have learned:

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