Regents Physics
Lab Experiment-Vectors
Group #1
Name:
Vector Treasure Hunt
Objective - To get a “walking” experience of vectors and hopefully learn other techniques for working
with vector addition.
Procedure - Use your knowledge of vectors (in this case displacement vectors) and vector addition to
add the 6 vectors on the list from your starting point. The end goal is to find the magic point
where there is a hidden treasure!
The teacher will make you aware of your start. It is also listed as your starting position below.
Group #1
Vector
Start
1
2
3
4
5
6
Disp (cm)
#1
Angle (°)
450
778
250
631
406
737
270
135
0
285
210.4
125
Start Up InfoThe origin in the room is
The coordinates of your start point are (_________, _________)
The dimensions of the room are __________ across (x), and __________ deep (y).
Walking the Vectors1. Go to your starting point. Determine the direction of your first displacement vector using the
diagram above as a guide (Remember, 0-360).
2. Now move the right distance to get to the end of your first vector. Mark it with a piece of
masking tape and label it with Group # and Vector #. This will be important if you need to
backtrack for any reason.
3. Move onto the next vector. Remember the direction is with respect to the room and not the
previous vector.
4. When you get the end, use the tape to clearly indicate your finish point. Bring it the teacher’s
attention so final coordinates of your finish point can be recorded.
The coordinates of your end point from walking are (_________, _________)
5. Once the treasure and its location are revealed, you will be given the actual end point.
The coordinates of the given end point are (_________, _________)
Do Not Proceed beyond this point until the treasure has been revealed!
Period 3-4 Regents
Graphing the Vectors1. Now grab a protractor and ruler. In your notebook, on a clean piece of paper, or a piece of graph
paper scaled such that each square is 1cm x 1cm, make a scaled rectangle to represent the room.
Using 1 cm = 100 cm seems to be a good scale.
2. Mark your starting point in the box.
3. Proceed to graphically draw the 6 vectors from the starting point, always starting the next vector
from the end of the last. Remember, "Tip to Tail." This should represent the path you actually
followed in the walking part of the activity.
4. Determine the coordinates of your end point within your scaled drawing, remembering that the
lower left part of your box is the (0, 0) point. Mark your graph with the x and y coordinates
next to the tip of your final vector, where the yummy treasure should have been. Label it
with a "G" for Graphing.
The coordinates of your end point from graphing are (_________, _________)
Calculating the Vectors through Component Vector Analysis1. Use the following table to summarize your data:
Vector #
Mag (cm)
Direction (°)
x-comp (cm)
y-comp (cm)
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
Sum of x and y component vectors:
Start Point Enter x & y from start up data
End Point
Sum of component vectors and the
start point.
2. The first three columns are exactly the same as the table on the first page. The 4th and 5th
columns start with the coordinates of the start point given to you. Proceed to find the x and y
component vectors using sines and cosines. Show each of these calculations on a separate piece
of paper.
3. At the end of the x-component and y-comp column, find the sum for each column. These two
values should represent the coordinates of your final destination. Put this point on your graph
and label it "CV" for Component Vector Analysis, and include the coordinates.
- Note: if this value is different from the Given End Point, then you will need to go back
and correct your mistake.
The Final Comparison1. Summarize your end point results from the four coordinate pairs listed; the walking, graphing,
and component vector results, and the intended value of the final destination from the teacher, in
the table below.
Final Destination
Coordinates
x – value
y – value
Given Values
From Walking
From Graphing
From Component
Vector Analysis
2. Mark your graph with the x and y coordinates from Walking and label it "W."
3. Determine your displacement from the given end point, and those from walking and graphing.
The given end point should be identical to the point labeled "CV." Show all work!!
Distance between points CV and G
Distance between points CV and W
4. Write a summary about this activity:
a. Compare the walking results from the other groups in your class. How close were they to the
true destination of the treasure?
b. Compare the graphing results for each member of your group. Were they similar or different,
and how close were they to the given end point?
c. Compare the final math results (Component Vector Analysis) for each member of your
group, and the other groups in your class.
d. Make a general statement about the accuracy of the different methods (walking, graphing,
component vector analysis) used in this activity.
e. What were your sources of error during this activity?