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Physics Lab 9

1) The student conducted an experiment to analyze the simple harmonic motion of a mass attached to the end of a spring. 2) By measuring the oscillation period of the mass-spring system with increasing mass and plotting a graph of period squared versus mass, the student was able to determine the spring constant and mass of the spring. 3) The spring constant was calculated to be 5.98 N/m and the mass of the spring alone was calculated to be 0.14 kg.

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omario norman
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70 views5 pages

Physics Lab 9

1) The student conducted an experiment to analyze the simple harmonic motion of a mass attached to the end of a spring. 2) By measuring the oscillation period of the mass-spring system with increasing mass and plotting a graph of period squared versus mass, the student was able to determine the spring constant and mass of the spring. 3) The spring constant was calculated to be 5.98 N/m and the mass of the spring alone was calculated to be 0.14 kg.

Uploaded by

omario norman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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NAME: Omario Norman

DATE: March 25, 2023

LAB #9

TITLE: SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

AIM: TO Analyze the oscillation of a mass attached at the end of a spring and find out the

spring constant (k) and mass (Ms) of the spring.

Apparatus: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/masses-and-springs-basics

Theory: when a mass is suspended from a vertical spring, the spring elongates by l due to its

weight , mg, . The elongation produces a restoring force upwards. The restoring force is balanced

by the weight of the slotted mass. That is , Restoring force F1 = mg ( in equilibrium)

Also, F1 = k . l ( where k, is the spring constant and l is the extension produced)

Therefore, mg = k.l At this stage, if the mass is displaced a little by ‘x’ distance, then the total

extension is (x+l) Therefore, total restoring force F2=k (x+l) acting vertically up Net restoring

force F= F2-F1=k (x+l)-kx = -k.x eq.1 - Sign shows that force and displacement are in

opposite direction This restoring force tries to bring the mass to its equilibrium position But

according to Newton’s Second law F=m. eq.2

But for a simple harmonic motion,

Therefore, eq. 2 becomes eq. 3


From eq.1 and eq. 3

-kx =

k =

= k/m

but

Where M is the total mass of the spring ( ms) and the mass attached at the end of spring ( ma)
Diagram:

Procedure:

1. A light spring was suspended to a stand vertically.

2. A pointer was attached at the end of the spring to measure the oscillations.

3. A suitable mass was attached to the end of the spring.

4. The mass was displaced a small distance and released to oscillate.

5. The time taken for 20 oscillations was measured.

6. The above steps were repeated a second time with the same mass.

7. The mean time period T was calculated.

8. The mass was increased in equal increments and the above steps were repeated for each

mass.

9. A graph of T^2 against ma was plotted.

Variables: Manipulated/independent: Mass attached to the end of the spring

Responding/dependent: Time period T

Controlled: spring constant, spring and stand used


Results:

Mass,ma/kg t1/s t2/s t=((t1+t2)/2)/s (t/20)/s T2

0.05kg 11.65 11.68 11.67 0.5 0.25

0.10kg 16.20 16.23 16.22 0.8 0.64

0.15kg 19.86 19.83 19.85 0.99 0.98

0.20kg 22.95 22.90 22.93 1.15 1.32

0.25kg 25.74 25.69 25.72 1.29 1.66

0.30kg 28.00 28.05 28.03 1.40 1.96

Calculations:

1. gradient (m) = y2 - y1 / x2 - x1
= 1.96 - 0.64 / 0.30 - 0.10
= 6.6
2. y = mx + c
1.96 = 6.6 ( 0.15) + c
c = 1.96 - 0.99
c = 0.97
∴ y = 6.6(x) + 0.97
3. Estimate the uncertainty in your value of t and suggest one way in which this uncertainty
could be reduced.
Ans: The uncertainty could be reduced by using a more precise timer or by doing one
more trial with the stopwatch.
4. Calculate value for k
Ans: m = 4π2/k
6.6=4π2/k
k=4π2/6.6
= 5.98
5. Calculate value for mass
Ans: Mass of spring
At y intercept x=0
At T2 intercept ma=0
y= mx +c
T2= 6.6(0) +0.97
When ma=0, T2 =0.97
0.97 = (6.6 x ma) + (6.6 x 0)
0.97/6.6=ma
ma=0.14 kg
Sources of Error:
1. Systematic errors: These are errors that occur due to a consistent bias in the measurement
or experimental setup. For example, if the oscillator is not properly calibrated, it may
cause systematic errors in the measurements of frequency or amplitude.
2. Random errors: These are errors that occur due to unpredictable fluctuations in the
measurement or experimental setup. For example, environmental factors such as wind
can cause random errors in the measurements.
Precautions:
1. It is important to ensure that the instruments used in the experiment are properly
calibrated and have a high level of accuracy. This can help minimize systematic errors in
the measurements.
2. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and vibrations can affect the results
of an oscillation experiment. To minimize these effects, the experiment should be
conducted in a controlled environment, such as a laboratory with stable temperature and
low levels of vibration.
Conclusion: The oscillation of a mass at the end of a spring is directly proportional to the
duration of the period. The spring constant k is 5.98 while mass of the spring is 0.14kg.

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