Introduction

Force Tables

The Force Table allows us to manipulate and measure the effects of vector quantities.

Goals

The object of this lab is to gain a thorough understanding of vector addition. This is accomplished by using the force tables to establish equilibrium for a particle, and correlate this equilibrium condition with the math of vector addition. Two methods of vector addition are discussed: graphical and analytical.

Equipment check

Please make sure your station has all of the following items. If not, check again, then talk to your lab instructor.

Intro to Vectors

Physical quantities that require both a magnitude and direction for their description are vector quantities. A great example of a vector quantity is the wind velocity. Since the wind can blow in a direction, and with a certain speed, we will need to use both a magnitude and a direction to describe this physical quantity.