Experiment No.

02

VECTORS :
Rectangular Resolution Method
and Polygon Theorem

I. OBJECTIVES
To add vector forces graphically and analytically
To compare polygon theorem as graphical method with rectangular
resolution as analytical method for finding the resultant force
To compare resultant force with equilibrant force

II. MATERIALS and APPARATUS

Demonstration
Round
Set

Experiment Frame

Dynamometer (2N, 5N)

of Mass (322.5g)

String

(2m)

Protractor

III. SET-UP

IV. PROCEDURE
1. In the demonstration board, set three dynamometer at angle
1, 2, and 3 with respect to the horizontal as shown in diagram
2.1.
2. Suspended a 322.5-gram mass m at point O using a string.
3. Read the dynamometer reading and record as F1, F2, and F3.
4. Measure the angles 1, 2, and 3 using a protractor. Record as
indicated.

IV. PROCEDURE
(POLYGON THEOREM)
5. Using the polygon method, add the set of forces F1, F2, and
F3 and determine the resultant force R.
6. Compute the percent of error using weight W of mass m as
the true value and the resultant force as the experimental value.
7. Compare the resultant force R with the weight W as
equilibrium force.

A. Graphical Method
Magnitude

Direction

F1

1.5N

39

F2

2.25N

74

F3

0.65N

30

3.45N

3.16N

Percent of Error

9.18

IV. PROCEDURE
(RECTANGULAR RESOLUTION METHOD)
8. With the same set of forces and angles, calculate
analytically the resultant force R using the rectangular
resolution method.
9. Compute the percent error using weight W as the
value and the resultant force R as the experimental
value.
10. Compare the resultant force R with the weight W as
equilibrant force.

B. Analytical Method
Magnitude

Direction

F1

1.5N

39

F2

2.25N

74

F3

0.65N

30

3.43N

3.16N

Percent of Error

V. COMPUTATION

Mass (m) = 322.5gram

Weight (w) = 322.5g x x 9.8 m/
= 3.1605 N

V. COMPUTATION
(RECTANGULAR RESOLUTION METHOD)
Fx = 1.5N(cos39) 2.25N(cos74) 0.65N(cos30)
= -0.017 N
Fy = 1.5N(sin 39) + 2.25N(sin 74) + 0.65N(sin 30)
= 3.43N

=
= 89.72

V. COMPUTATION
(Polygon Theorem))

Scale= 1N:2cm

VI. THEORY
As the weight exerts a force on the strings, the strings then will be divided and be
measured by the dynamometer. Since there is also loads carried on each strings, these
loads will exert an opposite magnitude that is equal to the force of the weight making
the 3rd Law of Motion. And, since the forces cancels each other, equilibrium will take
place.
Vectors are quantities that are described by both a magnitude and a direction.
Examples of vector quantities are such as displacement, speed, velocity, mass,
acceleration, energy, work, power, momentum, and force.
Vector are solved in two ways graphical and analytical method. Resultant is the
vector sum of two or more vectors.

What is EQUILIBRIUM?
Equilibrium is a point where the net force of the
object is zero. It is any unchanging condition or
state of a body, system, etc., resulting from the
balance or cancelling out of the influences or
processes to which it is subjected.

VII. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

Polygon Method
3.45N

Analytical Method
3.43N

RESULTANT (
x 100

TRUE VALUE = 3.16N

x 100

EXPERIMENTAL VALUE = RESULTANT ()

x 100

VIII. OBSERVATION
For polygon method, using the measuring equipment ruler
and protractor, it gave 3.45 N with a percentage error of 9.18%.
It also has a greater value of 0.29 N than the equilibrant force
3.16 N which is the weight.
For analytical method, by the use of algebra, the solution of
the resultant force was 3.43 N, with a percentage error of
8.54%. Which is greater than the equilibrant force 3.16 N by
0.27 N.

IX. INTERPRETATION
For polygon method, using the measuring equipment ruler and
protractor, it gave 3.45 N with a percentage error of 9.18%.
For analytical method, by the use of algebra, the solution of the
resultant force gave a 3.43 N, with a percentage error of 8.54%.
The comparison for the true value which is 3.16 N to the resultant
force in polygon method has a greater percentage error while the
comparison for the analytic method was a closer than the result value in
the polygon method. Having a percentage of 9.18% and 8.54%. It only
showed that solving analytically were more accurate than basing on a
scaled drawing. Drawing can differ due to different use of measuring
equipment.

X. CONCLUSION
It
is better to use the rectangular resolution method
because it is dependent to the mathematical formulas and
gives accuracy and less errors.
In getting the Resultant vector, the vectors positions are
not important because we can add them in no order.
If the Equilibrant force, then it is in equilibrium state.

REFERENCES:
http://www.physicsclassroom.com
http://www.mathcentre.ac.uk
http://www.mathisfun.com
https://prezi.com

EXPERIMENT
Fx = 1.5N(cos39) 2.25N(cos74 ) 0.65N(cos30 )
= -0.017N
Fy = 1.5N(sin 39) + 2.25N(sin 74 ) + 0.65N(sin 30)
= 3.43N

EXAMPLE
Fx = 0.65N(cos30) + 2.25N(cos74 ) 1.5N(cos39 )
= 0.017 N
Fy = 1.5N(sin 39) + 2.25N(sin 74 ) + 0.65N(sin 30
)
= 3.43N

GROUP 3
Batal, Dan Dale P.
Biador, Eunice D.
Dela Cruz, Mikaela Marie
R.
Gumaru, Jherone Daniel D.
Leonen, Erica
San Diego, Andrei Franco
Santos John Nicole C.

BSGE 2D

Experiment No. 02

VECTORS
-END-

THANK YOU