Force Equilibrium Lab

Here's How to do the force Equilibrium Lab: (The lab with the force table and the hanging masses)

For the first part, you want to set up an actual single unknown problem. (So let's use 1 gram as a unit of force)

1. Put two different amounts of mass on two of the hangers. (Keeping in mind that the hangers themselves have a mass of 50 grams) . Pick two locations for the known pulleys, typically put one in the first quadrant (0-90), and other in the second (90-180)

2. Set up two equilibrium equations, one for X and one for Y, and solve for the components of the equilibrant. Then express the equilibrant as a magnitude and an angle (Just like in FA 9.1). Put a pulley at that angle, and put a mass equal to the magnitude on the end of the string. (Keeping in mind the hanger is already 50 grams) . Large paperclips have a mass of about 1 gram btw.

3. It should stay in equilibrium... Does it? Does the center ring stay off the post without intervention? If not, check your work.

Part 1 Video:

For the second part you want to set up a two unknown problem (Like the second question on the FA)

1. Put a known amount of mass at 270^o.

2. Pick two locations for the unknown pulleys, typically put one in the first quadrant (0-90), and other in the second (90-180)

3. Set up your two equilibrium equations, and solve with matrices if you want

4. When you get the solution, put those masses at those locations, and see if the system is in equilibrium.

Part 2 Video: