Combination of forces; parallelogram of forces

Principle

Based on their knowledge of Experiment ME 2.7, the students should determine the direction and magnitude of the resultant force  F_r  which replaces the two different forces  F₁  and  F₂. Without knowledge of the trigonometric functions, the evaluation can be performed graphically with the aid of a force parallelogram or it can be calculated as a supplementary problem, if the students are familiar with the trigonometric functions.

The protractor sheet (circle with angular divisions) which is required for the evaluation is provided as a master which can be copied. The xerox copies should be given to the students before they begin the experiment.

Task

Can two forces with different directions be replaced by one force?

In this experiment the weight force of a mass is to be measured by two spring balances which are at an angle to each other and the perpendicular. The evaluation is performed graphically.

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