PASCO ME-6955 1.2 m PAScar Dynamics System - Manual (Page 12)

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1 . 2 m P A S c a r D y n a m i c s S y s t e m E x p e r i m e n t 3 : S i m p l e H a r m o n i c O s c i l l a t o r
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6. Tie a string to the lower attachment point of the cart. Run the string under one
end stop and over the pulley as shown in Figure 3.1. Attach the mass hanger to
the other end of the string. Adjust the pulley so that the string runs parallel to the
track.
7. Let the mass hang freely and wait for the cart to come to rest. Record the mass of
the hanger and the resting equilibrium position of the cart in Table 3.1.
8. Add mass to the hanger. Record the hanging mass and the new equilibrium posi-
tion of the cart in Table 3.1. Repeat this for a total of 5 different masses, being
careful not to over-stretch the springs.
Measuring the Experimental Period
9. Displace the cart from equilibrium and let it go. Time 5 oscillations and record
the time in Table 3.2.
10. Repeat this measurement at 5 times, using the same initial displacement.
11. Add a 500 g mass to the cart and repeat steps 9 and 10.
Calculations
Spring Constant and Theoretical Period
1. Calculate the forces applied by the hanging mass and write them in Table 3.1.
2. Using the data in Table 3.1, plot force versus position. Draw the best-fit straight
line through the data points and determine the slope of the line. The slope is equal
to the effective spring constant, k.
k = ______________
Figure 3.1
Table 3.1: Data and Analysis
Mass of cart = __________
Hanging Mass Position Force