1A40.10 - Vector Demos

Code Number:
1A40.10
Demo Title:
Vector Demos
Condition:
Fair
Principle:
Vector Addition, Resultant Vector
Area of Study:
Mechanics

Disclaimer

Equipment:
Vector demo, Metal Globe, Plexiglas 1/2 Sphere, Globe Stand, Magnetic Radial Vectors, and A Few Small Button Magnets.
Procedure:

The large vector demo is 80 cm X 110 cm.  Loosen the set screw that holds the diagonal and position the demo in any configuration desired.  Note that the diagonal is labeled every 20 cm.

No advanced preparation needed. The globe and magnetic orange rays are for showing radial vectors. The rays will stick directly onto the metal globe. On the Plexiglas 1/2 sphere you will need to put one of the small button magnets on the inner surface of the sphere to hold the vector on.

References:
  • Anthony Danese, "A Gauss's Law Computer Simulation in GlowScript", TPT, Vol. 60, #5, May 2022, p. 385.
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  • "M-064. Cardboard Box and String", DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook, 1993.
  • Jodi McCulloughand Roy McCullough, "Vectors with an Etch-A-Sketch", The Role of Toys in Teaching Physics", p. 4.12 - 4.13.
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  • Julius Sumner Miller, Q207 & A207, Millergrams II – Some More Enchanting Questions for Enquiring Minds, p. 61 & 111.
Vectors tutorial and Applet
The infamous 2-D relative velocity problem of the boat crossing the river is simulated in the applet
PDF icon Vectors tutorial and Applet PDF

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.