PASCO ME-9502 Statics System - Manual (Page 56)

S t a t i c s S y s t e m 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
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52 012-12876B
Data Table
Questions
1. How well does the theoretical value for the period of oscillation compare to the average measured period of
oscillation?
2. Does the equation for the period of a beam on a spring provide a good mathematical model for the physical
reality? Why or why not?
Extension
The rod and part of the spring in the Spring Scale oscillate up and down as the beam oscillates. Use your results
from the first part of this experiment to calculate the total mass that oscillates: the arm and protractor plus the mass
of the parts of the Spring Scale that also oscillate. Recalculate the theoretical period, T
theoretical
.
• How does the re-calculated theoretical period compare to the average measured period?
Trial Oscillations Total Time (s) Measured Period (s) Theoretical Period (s)
1
2
3
4
5
Average Measured Period (s)