PASCO ME-9502 Statics System - Manual (Page 55)

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M o d e l N o . M E - 9 5 0 2 S i m p l e H a r m o n i c M o t i o n – B e a m o n a S p r i n g
0 1 2 - 1 2 8 7 6 B 51
In this part of the experiment you will investigate this equation for the simple harmonic motion of a beam on a
spring.
Procedure
1. Mount a Protractor on one end of the Balance Arm. Measure and record the total mass of the arm plus protrac-
tor.
• mass, m = ____________
2. Add the Pivot to the other end of the Balance Arm and mount the Balance Arm on the Statics Board.
3. Mount the Spring Scale on the Statics Board so that the scale is perfectly vertical. Use thread to connect the
Angle Indicator on the Protractor to the bottom hook of the Spring Scale.
4. Adjust the Balance Arm and the Spring Scale so that the arm is horizontal and the scale is vertical and directly
above the center of the protractor.
5. Push the balance arm down and release it smoothly. Measure the time for at least ten complete oscillations
(down-up-down). Record the number of oscillations and the total time.
6. Calculate and record the Measured Period, T
measured
, by dividing the total time by the number of oscillations.
7. Repeat the measurement five times. Calculate and record the Average Measured Period.
8. Use m and k to calculate the Theoretical Period, T
theoretical
, and record the result.
Spring
Scale
Pivot
Protractor
Figure 9.4: Equipment Setup