Simple Harmonic Motion- Summer 2007 UBMS Physics Lab

1. Open the file shm from the 1401 folder, which is located in a Physics Lab in UT Arlington. (This is a special file specifically for a Physics class. A different variety of gadgets must be connected to the computer, like the force sensor, to run with the file).

2. Suspend 0.550 kg from the spring. On the side of the force sensor, press the TARE button. Stretch the spring about ½ inch straight down and release the mass. Select Start from the Experiment Toolbar the computer will acquire data for 5 seconds and stop automatically.

3. Select the Smart Tool button on the graph display (fourth button from the left) and position the cross hair which appears within the graph over one of the first peaks. Slight move the mouse and the icon should change to a hand with a triangle. Click and drag the mouse so that the left and right sides of the dashed rectangle aligns with the top of the peaks. The base of the rectangle will display the time between the peaks, record this value as the measured period t.

4. Using the measure period determine the spring constant, k, for the spring.

5. Repeat steps 2 – 4 for a hanging mass of 0.650 kg and 0.750.

                     Data Sheet

QUESTION: As the mass increases what happens to the period?

ANSWER:  As the mass increases, the period also increases. This is because since there is more mass, then it takes the spring longer to reach the final streatching point. When it begins to recoil itself, it takes longer to form compressions and rarefactions, which help measure wavelengths and eventually the period.