Wright State University Lake Campus/2016-9/Phy1110/log/Emily R

Vector Balancing

 * The objective of this experiment is to observe the balancing forces behind the vectors formed by a 3 4 5 triangle using three weight holders on a vector table.
 * Experimental Steps
 * First set two weight holders 90 degrees apart
 * Place 200g at 0 degrees, 250g at unknown, and 150g at 90degrees respectively on each weight holder
 * Experiment by moving the third weight until the vectors have balanced and the ring is centered
 * Do math
 * $$x+\theta = 180\deg$$
 * $$\tan\theta = \frac 3 4$$


 * $$\theta =

\left(\operatorname{arctan}{\frac 3 4}\right) \cdot \frac{180 \deg}{\pi}

= X$$


 * $$180-X = \theta_{\text{actual}}$$


 * $$\theta_{\text{actual}} = 180 - \left(\operatorname{arctan}{\frac 3 4}\right) \cdot\frac{180 \deg}{\pi}$$


 * Measure the largest unknown angle on your vector table
 * Divide actual angle measurement by the difference between actual and measured angle to determine error percentage


 * Results
 * We found our largest angle to be 144 degrees and calculated the actual angle to be 143 degrees, resulting in a .7% error