AP Physics Vector Lab

For your vector lab, write a mini lab (informal lab). The purpose of the lab is to determine if the head to tail graphical method of vector addition works. To do this use the fact that if an object, in this case the knot at the junction of the strings ( the middle of the "Y" ), is not accelerating, the sum of the forces on it must be zero. Therefore, the vector sum of the three forces must be zero (for each force the direction is given by its section of string, magnitude given by its scale) .

Draw A + B and see what its resultant equals Then, on a separate sheet, draw A+B+C and see what its resultant equals. Make sure that when you, for example, add vector B to vector A's head, you keep B's direction and magnitude constant, etc.

Explain if the resultants are what you expected based on what you know about the sum of the forces, and if not , why not ( error analysis).

While you are at it, make sure your discussion answers all the questions on the lab sheet.