PASCO ME-9502 Statics System - Manual (Page 53)

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M o d e l N o . M E - 9 5 0 2 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
0 1 2 - 1 2 8 7 6 B 49
Extension
In addition to the hanging mass, there is other mass that is oscillating up and down. The rod inside the Spring Scale
moves up and down as well. A portion of the spring itself moves as the hanging mass oscillates. Would this unac-
counted for mass make a difference in your calculation of the theoretical period, T
theoretical
?
To find out, used the equation for the period of oscillation to calculate what the total oscillating mass, M
total
,
should be based on the spring constant and the Average Measured Period, T
measured
, for each mass. Use the for-
mula,
where T is the Average Measured Period and k is the spring constant.
After calculating the total mass based on the average measured period and the spring constant, recalculate the the-
oretical period based on the calculated total mass and the spring constant:
Compare the calculated total mass, M
total
, to the hanging mass, M. Approximately how much “extra” mass is
oscillating in addition to the hanging mass?
• M
extra
= _____________
Question
1. For each trial, how well does the new theoretical value for the period of oscillation compare to the average
measured period of oscillation?
2. Does the equation for the period of an oscillating mass on a spring provide a good mathematical model for the
physical reality? Why or why not?
Hanging Mass (kg) Average Measured Period (s) Calculated Total Mass (kg) New Theoretical Period (s)
0.125 kg
0.175 kg
0.225 kg
M
total
T
2
k
4
 2
--------- =
T
new
2

M
total
k
--------------- =