19
012-07558A
PAScar Accessory Track Set (2.2 Meter)
®
!
!
Experiment 5: Oscillations on an Incline
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
– PAScar with Mass (ME-6950)
– Dynamics Track with End Stop
– Spring (646-04445)*
and Pivot Clamp
– Base and support rod (ME-9355)*
– Mass hanger and mass set (ME-9348)*
– Mass balance (SE-8723)*
– Stopwatch (SE-8702)*
Purpose
The purpose is to measure the period of oscillation of a spring and mass system on an
incline at different angles and compare it to the theoretical value.
Theory
For a mass attached to a spring, the theoretical period of oscillation is given by
where
T
is the time for one complete back-and-forth motion,
m
is the mass that is oscillat-
ing, and
k
is the spring constant.
According to Hooke’s Law, the force exerted by the spring is proportional to the distance
the spring is compressed or stretched,
F = kx
, where
k
is the proportionality constant. The
spring constant can be experimentally determined by applying different forces to stretch the
spring different distances. When you plot the force versus distance, the slope of the result-
ing straight line is equal to
k
.
Adjustable
End Stop
Angle of
inclination
*Not included in Track Set
Procedure
1. Use the balance to find the mass of the car. Record this value at the top of Table
5.1.
2. Set the car on the track and attach a spring to one end of the car by
inserting the end of the spring in the hole provided in the car.
Then attach the other end of the spring to the end of the track
(See Figure 5.1).
3. Incline the track by raising the end of the track that has the
spring attached. As the end of the track is raised, the spring
will stretch. Keep the angle of inclination of the track small
enough so the spring is not stretched more than half the
length of the track. Measure this angle and record it at
the top of Table 5.1.
4. Record the equilibrium position in Table 5.1.
5. Add mass to the car and record the new position.
Repeat this for a total of 5 different masses, being
careful not to overstretch the spring.
Measurements to Find the Theoretical Period
Figure 5.1 Equipment Setup
T
= 2
π
m
k
Summary of Contents for ME-6956
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