PASCO ME-6962 PAStrack Systems - Manual (Page 16)

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P A S t r a c k S y s t e m s E x p e r i m e n t 4 : O s c i l l a t i o n s o n a n I n c l i n e
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the pivot clamp and support stand to hold the track at this angle. Measure this
angle and record it in Table 4.1.
5. Let the cart hang freely and come to rest. Record the equilibrium position in
Table 4.1.
6. Add mass to the cart and record the new resting position. Repeat this for a total of
5 different masses, being careful not to over-stretch the spring.
Measuring the Experimental Period
7. Remove all of the added mass from the cart.
8. Displace the cart from equilibrium a specific distance and let it go. Time 3 oscil-
lations and record the time in Table 4.2.
9. Repeat this measurement at least 5 times, using the same initial displacement.
10. Change the angle of the incline and repeat steps 8 and 9. Follow steps 8 and 9 for
a total of three different angles.
Calculations
Spring Constant and Theoretical Period
1. Using the data in Table 4.1, calculate the force caused by the mass of the cart:
F = mg sin , where  is the angle of incline.
2. 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 con-
stant, k.
k = ______________
3. Using the mass of the cart and the spring constant, calculate the period using the
theoretical formula.
T = ______________
Experimental Period
1. Using the data in Table 4.2, calculate the average time for 3 oscillations.
Table 4.1: Measurements to Find Theoretical Period
Original Position (without added mass) = __________
Mass of Cart = __________
Angle of Incline = __________
Added Mass Position Force