Vector Addition and Subtraction Report
Your report must include the following: (notice this report is different than usual). You only need to type
the cover page. Everything else is handwritten. Start each part in a separate page and include the
headers for each section.
0. Cover page (typed)
/ 5 points
1. Step 1: Mass Conversion
/ 10 points
a. Show one calculation of how to convert the masses from grams to weight in Newtons.
b. List the answers for the other two masses.
2. Step 2: Graphical Representation
/ 15 points
a. Show the Graphical construction to scale of the sum A + B + C.
b. Include the scale use to graph. Label vectors and angles
c. List the value of the resultant in Newtons and the angle it makes with the positive X-axis.
Box results.
3. Step 3: Component Method
/ 15 points
a. Use the component method to calculate R = A + B + C. Show all the calculation steps.
b. Calculate the angle it makes with the positive X-axis.
c. List the value of R in Newtons and the angle it makes with the positive X axis. Box the
answers.
4. Step 4 : Percent Difference
/ 10 points
a. Calculate the percent difference between the values in Part II and part III for the resultant
vector and the angle. Box your answers.
5. Step 5: Equilibrium Force:
/ 10 points
a. Calculate the magnitude (in Newtons) and direction of vector E; such that,
A+B+C+E=0
6. Step 7: Graphical Method for vector D
/ 15 points
a. Calculate D graphically. Show the scale you used. Label the vectors and angles as
before.
b. List and box the magnitude and direction of D.
7. Step 8: Component Method for vector D
/ 15 points
a. Use the component method to calculate D. Show all your calculation steps.
b. Find the direction (the angle D makes with the positive X-axis) of vector D.
c. List and box the results.
8. Step 9: Percent Difference
/ 5 points
a. Calculate the percent difference for the values of the resultant and the angle between the
values in steps 7 and 8.
9. Total:
/ 100 points
Things to consider for this experiment
Step 1:
1. To convert the mass from grams to a weight in Newtons, you must first convert the mass
to kilograms and then multiply by g= 9.81 m/sec2.
Weight = mass * gravity
Step 2:
1.
2.
3.
4.
You are converting your vector values from Newtons to cm values to graph them.
The scale you are using is 3.50 cm = 1 Newton.
Draw your vectors neatly and measure your angles carefully.
You will read the value of R in cm and convert it back to Newtons.
Step 4:
1. You are comparing the values of R in step 2 and step 3. Remember the magnitudes
must be in Newtons and the directions in degrees.
2. You are calculating a percent difference. Refer to the previous handout for questions.
Step 5:
1. Use the average value of R and θ to calculate E (the equilibrant).
Step 7:
1. Use the same vector and angle values as in part I to calculate D.
Step 9:
1. You are calculating the percent difference between the values in part 7 and part 8.