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Vector Addition and Static Equilibrium in IB Physics

International Baccalaureate Physics Vectors Mohammad Basim Hussain IB1A In this IB Lab you will be assessed on the following IB criteria :- https://amrita.olabs.edu.in/?sub=1&brch=5&sim=20&cnt=4 Data Collection and Data Processing 4/PSOW Aim: · To use vector addition to calculate the mass of an unknown object. · To gain an understanding of balanced forces in situations of static equilibrium when two or more forces act at a point in a system. Equipment: 2 pulleys mounted on a board, thread, slotted masses, 3 sheets of white paper for each student. Method: Diagram: 1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram 2. Hang the unknown mass and two slotted masses from the 3 threads and let the system come to equilibrium. 3. Displace it several times and notice the variation in the position of the point O. B 4. When the system comes to rest in an approximately mean position, accurately mark the position of point O A and the directions of the 3 forces on a piece of white paper fixed to the board. 20 C 5. Label the point of intersection of the 3 force vectors as O. 6. Repeat the above procedure for two more systems by changing the magnitude of coplanar forces acting on the body. 7. Record the value of forces A and B for each system. Data Collection: Attach your three A4 sheets which clearly show the original data obtained. Data Processing and Presentation: 1. Using a suitable technique, determine the vector sum A+B and hence calculate the mass of the unknown object. * A 2. Compare this sum with the value of C obtained by measuring the unknown mass with a balance. 3. Include any uncertainties (both magnitude and direction). La * B ? O C * Mike Dickinson ed702c57d60eb1c163b45e19546cf202.doc International Baccalaureate Physics Data Collection Online simulation was used - Unknown mass is 86g. Data Processing and Presentation Material used- Stone Mass of material - 86g A (g) 1 50 2 60 3 70 4 80 5 90 B (g) 50 60 70 80 90 a (deg) 60 46 38 32 30 4/PSOW ß (deg) 60 46 38 32 30 Finding the Components of A and B- Sr. No F?x (g) 1 2 3 55.16 4 5 25 41.68 67.84 77.94 F2x (g) F1y (g) -25 -41.68 -55.16 -67.84 -77.94 43.3 43.16 43.1 42.4 45 Finding the magnitude of vector, A+B- Sr. No F2= Fx2+Fy2 (g) 1 86.6 2 86.32 3 86.2 4 84.8 5 Mean of all the values - 433.92/5 = 86.784 = 87g Uncertainty- (90-84.8)/2 = 2.6 = 3g 90 F2y (g) 43.3 43.16 43.1 42.4 45 The experimental value with uncertainty is (87 +- 3)g. Mike Dickinson Fix + F2x (g) 0 0 86.32 0 86.2 0 0 F1y + F2y(g) 86.6 84.8 90 ed702c57d60eb1c163b45e19546cf202.doc International Baccalaureate Physics 4/PSOW Percentage Discrepancy- (87-86)/86 = 1/86 = 0.0116 x 100 This equals to 1.16%. Evaluation- The source of possible errors could be Random error where the calculation of angles using the protractor might be