Describe the force board experiment to show how to obtain a resultant of two non-parallel coplaner forces acting at a point
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO5EL9TB-v4
The force board experiment is commonly used to demonstrate how to find the resultant of two non-parallel coplanar forces acting at a point. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how to perform the experiment:
Materials needed:
1. Force board - a flat board with holes in it
2. Two spring balances - used to measure forces
3. String or wire - to suspend the spring balances
4. Weights or masses - to apply forces
5. Protractor - to measure angles
Procedure:
1. Set up the force board: Place the force board on a stable surface. Ensure it is level and secure.
2. Attach the spring balances: Attach one spring balance to each hole on the force board. Make sure they are evenly spaced and securely fastened.
3. Hang the weights: Attach weights or masses to the spring balances using strings or wires. Hang one weight on each spring balance.
4. Measure the angles: Use a protractor to measure the angle between each spring balance and the horizontal direction. This will be the direction in which the force is acting.
5. Read the force values: As the weights hang and exert forces on the spring balances, read the force values indicated on each spring balance. Note down these force magnitudes.
6. Resolve the forces: In order to find the resultant force, resolve each force into its horizontal and vertical components. This can be done using trigonometry. Use the measured angles and force values to calculate the horizontal and vertical components for each force.
7. Add the horizontal and vertical components: Add up the horizontal components of both forces and the vertical components of both forces separately.
8. Calculate the resultant force: Use the horizontal and vertical components to find the resultant force. Use the vector addition method or Pythagorean theorem. The resultant force will have both magnitude and direction.
9. Draw the resultant force: On the force board, mark the magnitude and direction of the resultant force using an appropriate scale and arrow notation.
By following these steps and performing the force board experiment, you can effectively determine the resultant of two non-parallel coplanar forces acting at a point.