MS-76 PVG FORCE TABLE

FORCE TABLE

A Force table is a tool to demonstrate Newton’s First Law and how vectors work. It is common in most physics classroom labs.

Newton’s First Law:

An object at rest remains at rest and an object in motion conitnues in motion with constant velocity (that is constant speed in a straight line) unless it experiences a net external force.

The force table is based on the principle of “Equilibrium.”

Equilibrium is reached when there is no net force acting upon an object. An object with no net force acting upon it has no acceleration.

The force table uses pulleys, strings, and weights placed around a circular table.

Weights are placed at the end of strings supported by pulleys located on a circular tabletop. When equal amounts of weight (or force) are added the string will find equilibrium and acceleration in a certain direction will halt.

The Force Table allows us to manipulate and measure the effects of vector quantities.

To observe how forces acting on an object add to produces a net, resultant force.

To see the relationship between the equilibrant force relates to the resultant force.

To develop skills with graphical addition of vectors and vector components.

To develop skills with analytical addition of vectors and vector components.