Scribd
Upload
6 views

CAPE PHYSICS LAB #9 (Repaired)

The lab aimed to investigate Simple Harmonic Motion in a spring-mass system by measuring the period of oscillation for various masses. The results indicated a spring constant of 31.8 N/m, with the experiment highlighting the relationship between mass and oscillation period. Sources of error included air resistance and reaction time, with precautions taken to minimize these effects.

Uploaded by

62xyty7z7r
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
6 views

CAPE PHYSICS LAB #9 (Repaired)

The lab aimed to investigate Simple Harmonic Motion in a spring-mass system by measuring the period of oscillation for various masses. The results indicated a spring constant of 31.8 N/m, with the experiment highlighting the relationship between mass and oscillation period. Sources of error included air resistance and reaction time, with precautions taken to minimize these effects.

Uploaded by

62xyty7z7r
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

LAB #9

Date: Jan 26, 2023

Title: Vertical Oscillations of a Spring-Mass System

Aim: To investigate Simple Harmonic Motion in the ‘small amplitude’


oscillations of a spring-mass system.

Apparatus/Materials: Retort stand, 2 identical spiral springs, masses,


and stopwatch

Diagram:

Method/Procedure:
1. A spring from the retort stand was suspended and a mass, m of
200 grams was hanged from it.
2. The spring-mass system was given a small vertical displacement
and the time taken t for 20 oscillations was recorded.
3. The period of oscillation T was calculated.
4. For the 7 other values of mass, this procedure was repeated.
5. The results were tabulated using the SI units.
6. A graph of T² vs m was plotted.
7. The gradient of the graph and hence the value of the spring
constant, k was found.
Results:
Run Mass/g Time for 20 Period, T/s T²/s²
oscillations,t₂₀

1 250 9.9, 9.47 0.5 0.25

2 350 12.73, 12.54 0.6 0.36

3 450 14.72, 14.67 0.7 0.49

4 550 16.47, 16.08 0.8 0.64

5 650 17.33, 17.24 0.9 0.81

6 750 18.83, 18.66 0.9 0.81

7 850 19.83, 20.43 1.0 1.00

8 950 20.82, 21.22 1.1 1.21


TABLE SHOWING THE RESULTS OF SPRING-MASS SYSTEM

Mass(kg) Time for 20 Period,T(s) T2 (s2)


oscillations,t20(
hz)
350 18.52,19.02 0.9 0.81
TABLE SHOWING THE RESULTS OF SPRING-MASS SYSTEM IN
SERIES

Mass(kg) Time for 20 Period,T(s) T2 (s2)


oscillations,t20(
hz)
450 9.66,9.79 0.5 0.25
TABLE SHOWING THE RESULTS OF SPRING-MASS IN PARALLEL

Discussion:
Harmonic motion is a motion that repeat itself [oscillates about an
equilibrium position]. Simple harmonic motion (SHM) is the simplest
form of repetitive motion... That which can be represented by a sin or
cos curve. Displacement is the distance the body moves from its
undisturbed [equilibrium] position in a particular direction. Angular
displacement, θ , is the angle two with the body moves for a
displacement X, while undergoing SHM. Amplitude, A,is the maximum
displacement of the body from its equilibrium position.
When a body that has been moved from its equilibrium position is
subjected to a restoring force, F, that is always proportional to and
directed against the movement of the body from its equilibrium
position, simple harmonic motion (SHM) is the outcome. A mass that
is fastened to the end of a string makes up a straightforward
harmonic oscillator. The spring's opposite end is fastened to a sturdy
support. When the mass is only slightly moved from its equilibrium
position, the spring's restoring force is given by f = -kx where x is
displacement and k is the spring constant. From Newton’s Second
Law, we know that, f = ma where m is the mass and a is the
acceleration.

Source of Error:
➔ Air resistance
➔ Reaction Time

Precautions:
★ Turn off fans
★ Close windows

Conclusion: The spring constant of a simple harmonic motion was


found to be 31.8NM-1

You might also like