Pasco Scientific ME-6956, Instruction Manual And Experiment Manual

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PAScar Accessory Track Set (2.2 Meter) 012-07558A
®
Experiment 5: Oscillations on an Incline
Notes on Calculations
1. The spring constant k = 1.5595 for the spring
tested here. The actual spring constant will vary,
although it should be close to 1.5 for the springs
supplied with this apparatus.
2. Theoretical values will vary, depending on the
value for k and for m. For best results, measure
the cars rather than assume their weight to be the
stated 250g.
Answers to Questions
1. The period does not vary significantly as the
angle changes. There is some variation due to
nonlinearity in the spring; as the spring is ex-
tended at greater angles, the force
“ constant ” is
not constant. The contribution due to friction
also changes with angle.
2. The experimental results should agree with
theory to within 2%, although it is not unusual to
find agreement within less than 1%.
3. The equilibrium position changes as the angle is
changed.
4. The period would be the same at 90 ° , as long as
the spring was not overstretched. NOTE: Hang-
ing the PAScar from the spring supplied with
this equipment will overextend the spring.
Notes on Procedure
The inclination angle of the track should be
between 5 and 15
° for best results. You may
want to measure the spring constant by hanging
masses directly from the spring (vertically)
without the car. This is a better method than the
one described in the experiment guide.