Understanding Newton's First Law for Force Tables

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on an experiment using a force table to verify Newton's First Law through the balance of forces. Participants are tasked with adjusting weights at various angles to center a ring, ensuring that the algebraic sums of the x and y-components equal zero. It is clarified that components in the negative direction should be assigned negative values. The consensus is that both the x and y components must independently sum to zero to confirm the law's validity. Understanding vector addition is essential for accurate calculations in this context.
azn4lyf89
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I did an experiment on a force table with pulleys and weights. We were suppose to, through trial and error, find weights and add them on strings that were placed at different angles, so that the ring in the middle would become centered. Attached is the data table. I am suppose to calculate the algebraic sums of the x and y-components and see if Newton's First Law is verified within experimental error. I know that the sums should add up to zero, but am I suppose to put a negative value on the component that is opposite from the other? Should the X components add up to be zero and the Y components or together should they equal zero?
 

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azn4lyf89 said:
I am suppose to calculate the algebraic sums of the x and y-components and see if Newton's First Law is verified within experimental error.
I know that the sums should add up to zero, but am I suppose to put a negative value on the component that is opposite from the other?
Should the X components add up to be zero and the Y components or together should they equal zero?

Hi azn4lyf89! :smile:

i] Yes … components in the negative direction are negative.

ii] This is vector addition … the vector sum must be zero, so the X components and the Y components must equal zero separately. :smile:
 
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