Activity 2.1.4 Calculating Force Vectors Introduction - Troy High School

Activity 2.1.4 Calculating Force VectorsIntroductionIf guy wires are used to stabilize a tower, what is the minimum number of wiresnecessary? Imagine what would happen if you only used one or two wires. The guywires work together so that the tower does not fall in any direction. As long as thereare no external forces, each of the wires should be experiencing an equal amount oftension. The tension in each guy wire can be expressed as a vector force. It isimportant that values are given for each force so that engineers can make informeddecisions about the necessary strength of guy wires and their support mechanisms.EquipmentCalculatorProcedureIn this activity you will calculate force vectors.1. What is the magnitude of vector A?2. What is the direction of vector A relative to thenegative Y axis?3. What is the sense of vector A?4. Draw a free body diagram illustrating the X and Y components of vector A. (Solvefor component forces)Project Lead The Way, Inc.Copyright 2010POE – Unit 2 – Activity 2.1.4 – Calculating Force Vectors – Page 1

5. What is the magnitude of vector B?6. What is the direction of vector B relative to thenegative Y axis?7. What is the sense of vector B?8. Draw a free body diagram illustrating the X and Y components of vector B. (Solvefor component forces)A picture is hung from a nail with wire. The nail supports two forces A = 5N and B = 5N.9. Draw a free body diagram illustrating the X and Y components of vector A and B.(Solve for component forces)10. Calculate the resultant force (F R ) by summing the X and Y components of vectorsA and B.SF X = F AX + F BXSF Y = F AY + F BYProject Lead The Way, Inc.Copyright 2010POE – Unit 2 – Activity 2.1.4 – Calculating Force Vectors – Page 2

An eye screw is experiencing two tension forces G 100N andH 50N.11. Draw a free body diagram illustrating the X and Ycomponents of vector G. (Solve for component forces)12. Draw a free body diagram illustrating the X and Y components of vector H.(Solve for component forces)13. Calculate the resultant force (F R ) by summing the X and Y components ofvectors G and H.SF X = F GX + F HXSF Y = F GY + F HYConclusion1. Describe the relationship between force vectors and free body diagrams.2. If you and someone else are pulling an object and both of you are 25° from the Xaxis (see top view below), how could you reduce the amount of force each of youmust exert?Project Lead The Way, Inc.Copyright 2010POE – Unit 2 – Activity 2.1.4 – Calculating Force Vectors – Page 3