This is a simulation of the force table lab. In this situation you can vary the magnitudes and directions of three forces that are acting on an object in the middle of a force table. The magnitudes and directions are changed by entering the values into the appropriate boxes. After entering the values it is necessary to make sure that the simulation recognizes the new value. If the box is highlighted in yellow the new value has not been recorded yet and the simulation is not using that value.

The goal is to establish an equilibrium between the three forces so that the net force on the object is zero. By clicking on the "Equilibrium?" button at the bottom of the simulation you can see if the forces balance (are in equilibrium) or not. If the forces are unbalanced the ring will move in the direction of the net force. The speed at which the ring moves is directly related to the magnitude of the net force. Therefore the closer the forces are to being balanced the slower the ring will move. Continue varying the magnitudes and directions until the forces balance. There is a slight uncertainty built into the simulation to account for the frictional forces and other sources of uncertainty present with a real force table.

M.Dole

9/23/2015