PASCO ME-9502 Statics System - Manual (Page 23)

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M o d e l N o . M E - 9 5 0 2 E x p . 3 : R e s o l v i n g F o r c e s — C o m p o n e n t s
0 1 2 - 1 2 8 7 6 B 19
Question
1. Is the force disk at equilibrium in the center of the Force Wheel?
2. Why or why not?
Extensions
1. Generally it is most useful to find the components of a vector along perpendicular axes, as you did above.
However, it is not necessary that the axes be perpendicular. If time permits, try setting up the equipment to
find the components of a vector along non-perpendicular axes. Use pulley to redirect the component forces to
non-perpendicular directions.
2. The figure shows a classic vector com-
bination. For the force disk to be in
equilibrium, the x-components of force
F
1
and force F
2
must be equal and
opposite, and the y-components of F
1
and F
2
must add to equal the magni-
tude of force F
3
, the vertical force. Set
up the equipment so that the Spring
Scale applies force F
1
. Once the sys-
tem is in equilibrium, determine the x-
and y-components of the vectors and
compare them.
3. For the setup in the figure, change the
angles of F
1
and F
2
2 so that the vectors
are closer to the x-axis. Calculate the
x-components and notice the change.
What happens to the x-components as
the two forces become closer and
closer to parallel? What amount of
force would be needed if F
1
and F
2
were both horizontal?
F
1
F
2
F
3
NOTE: The diagram is
not to scale.
Figure 3.3: Extension vectors