CPAC 7

[ I ] [3]

Aim : Investigating into simple harmonic motion

using a mass -

spring system and a simple a pedulum to calculate the

spring

constant of a mass
spring system Done by .
now time period of the oscillations varies with the mass .

[I ]

Hypothesis : That win a

greater mass means a
greater time period 0s citation takes .
When putting it in

2T¥ } Tt
'
T = 1-2--4122 by plotting T L
so so
by

you get a gradient of

4ˢ¥s gradient =
¥
"

4m

Equipment list !

→
Clamp stand → used to hold the
spring ,
masses ,
and pendulum string vertically
.

→
used to calculate and provide the oscillations
Spring → the
spring constant

→
fiducial marker ( nail ) →
To mark the equilibrium potion
it 100g Change increments
→
Mass hanger → To
hang from the
spring and vary the mass .

Sog or
100g each

→
Stopwatch → To measure the time for a certian number of oscillations -

→ Metre rulers To measure he oscillations ( Resolution ( Imm) uncertainty ( IOS mm)

→
Counterweight (optional it clamp stand cant be attached to he tabled

LT ] [ 3]

Diagram:
prier variable :
=

BE
=
→ Independant variable = mass ( m)
_

✓
I
§ Dependant period (T)
Clamp → variable Time
→ spring =

stand
-

( K)
→ mass
-
hanger
→
Control variable =
Spring constant
^

-
↳ mass Number of 0s citations
↓ -

nail -

)
la marker ,

Comm
-
 [I ] 13 ]

Method :

1) set up the apparatus , as shown in the diagram

2) Pull the mass hanger vertically downwards 3cm let

go (the mass will oscillate)

3) And once passed the nail start the stopwatch

4) Stop after 10 complete oscillations and record this time

.

S ) Divide by 10 for the time period (as this is lnemeeen)

6) Add Sog to the mass holder and repeat until 9 readings have been met ( or until
400g have been met )

[1) [2] .

Potential errors :

Random error :

and
→ it the
spring starts to move
horizontally during is oscillation , stop the oscillation start it

sweets
again making vertically pulled downwards

Timing more 0s citations for each mass reduces the percentage uncertainty in the time period ( for 10 oscillation

then divide by 10 for 1 period does also reduce randomerrors) .

→ the fiducial marker ( the nail) should be at the centre of the Osa law on ,
s so he mass is moving past it at In

fastest speed and there Is the least uncertainty storms and the stopwatch
in
stopping
-

→ A motion tracker and be used accurate value for me time period and eliminating
data
logger can to find a more

random error in
starting and stopping me stopwatch

systematic errors .

→
To reduce parallax error by being at eye level with the marker
-
HÉa
hit person/ Don't pull the spring
Spring can snap it can a

if pulled to hard hard

damage equipment to

stand can fail / hit a person or secure the stand

clamp can fall / damage equipment properly and damp the

nail .

nail and where the

Spring holds

taken
Time 10 oscillations
for
Results m¥meo
Tio IS 1- IS 1-218

0.05

0 -10

0 - IS

0 -
20

0 -30

0.35

0.40

1- Save my exams -

October 201s
https://www.savemyexams.co.uk/a-level/physics/aqa/17/revision-notes/6-further-mechanics--
thermal-physics/6-2-simple-harmonic-motion/6-2-8-required-practical-investigating-shm/

2. Physics maths tutor Published in november 2016 -

https://pmt.physicsandmathstutor.com/download/Physics/A-level/Notes/AQA/
Practical-Skills/RP%2007%20-%20Simple%20Harmonic%20Motion.pdf
Demo 20/08/16 published) (
3. Physics -

https://youtu.be/FJBPNJR2QJU