PASCO ME-9502 Statics System - Manual (Page 52)

S t a t i c s S y s t e m E x p . 9 : S i m p l e H a r m o n i c M o t i o n – M a s s o n a S p r i n g
®
48 012-12876B
3. Pull the mass hanger down and release it smoothly. Let it oscillate a few times before taking any measure-
ments. When the oscillations are smooth and regular, measure the time for at least ten complete oscillations
(down-up-down). If possible, measure the time for as many oscillations as you can before the amplitude of the
oscillations becomes too small. Record the number of oscillations and the total time.
4. Calculate and record the Measured Period, T
measured
, by dividing the total time by the number of oscillations.
5. Repeat the measurement for the 125 g mass five times. Calculate and record the Average Measured Period.
6. Use M and k to calculate the Theoretical Period, T
theoretical
, and record the result.
7. Repeat the procedure using masses of 175 g and 225 g (total mass including the mass hanger).
Data Table
Questions
1. How well does the theoretical value for the period of oscillation compare to the measured period of oscilla-
tion?
2. Does the equation for the period of a mass on a spring provide a good mathematical model for the physical
reality? Why or why not?
Mass (kg) Oscillations Total Time (s) Measured Period (s) Theoretical Period (s)
0.125 kg
0.125 kg
0.125 kg
0.125 kg
0.125 kg
Average Measured Period (s)
0.175 kg
0.175 kg
0.175 kg
0.175 kg
0.175 kg
Average Measured Period (s)
0.225 kg
0.225 kg
0.225 kg
0.225 kg
0.225 kg
Average Measured Period (s)
T 2
 M
k
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