IB Lab: Displacement Vectors
Name: __________________________
My partner was: _____________________
Please staple this to the front of your lab write-up.
Lab is due on Thursday at the beginning of the period (BOP)
Purpose: to determine the displacement from the center of the front demo counter in
room 1111 to the center of the door of the staff bathroom in the 1400 office pod!
The more neatly and carefully you make your measurements and construct your
diagram, the easier your processing will be!!
Your lab write-up will include the following, which will NOT be graded according to
the IB rubric:
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a map of the downstairs of the school with your path clearly illustrated
o your vector diagram must show all measured vectors and where/how you
measured the angles, including uncertainties (your diagram must be
drawn neatly, accurately to scale, and be labeled—the vectors can just be
numbered, as you’ll have their measurements in the data table described
below)
o also, and in a separate color, draw in your resultant vector!
Include a data table that indicates, for each vector, its magnitude (and
uncertainty), and the angle that you measured. Also indicate whether you
measured that angle from the x-axis or the y-axis. Don’t forget to include the
absolute uncertainty for each measurement.
Include a second data table to show your calculated x- and y- components for
each of your vectors. You should have 5 columns: Vector #, work for xcomponent, answer for x-component, work for y-component, answer for ycomponent. Report answers to appropriate sig. figs. And remember your units!
Data processing
o Show ALL work and clear steps to get to your final, resultant
displacement. (Did I mention that you need to very clearly show your
work? )
o Bonus: Propagate your uncertainties throughout your calculation and
include with your final answer for the resultant’s magnitude and direction.
You must show all your work clearly so it is easily followed!
Lab Score:
Vector Diagram:
_____/3
Data Table 1:
_____/2
Data Table 2:
_____/2
Completed calculation:
_____/3