LABORATORY IV

OSCILLATIONS

You are familiar with many objects that oscillate -- a tuning fork, a pendulum, the strings of a guitar, or the
beating of a heart. At the microscopic level, you have probably observed the flagellum of microbes. Even at
the nanoscopic level, molecules oscillate, as do their constituent atoms. All of these objects are subjected to
forces that change with position. Springs are a common example of objects that exert this type of force.

In this lab you will study oscillatory motion caused by springs exerting a force on an object. You will use
different methods to determine the strength of the force exerted by different spring configurations, and
investigate what quantities determine the oscillation frequency of systems.

OBJECTIVES:
After successfully completing this laboratory, you should be able to:
• Provide a qualitative explanation of the behavior of oscillating systems using the concepts of
restoring force and equilibrium position.
• Identify the physical quantities that influence the period (or frequency) of the oscillatory motion
and describe this influence quantitatively.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the mathematical description of an oscillator's motion.
• Describe qualitatively the effect of additional forces on an oscillator's motion.

PREPARATION:
Read Serway and Jewett chapter 2 (section 4), chapter 4, chapter 12 (sections 1-4 and 6-8). It is likely that you
will be doing some of these laboratory problems before your lecturer addresses this material. It is very
important that you read the text before coming to lab.

Before coming to lab you should be able to:

• Describe the similarities and differences in the behavior of the sine and cosine functions.
• Recognized the difference between amplitude, frequency, and period for repetitive motion.
• Determine the force on an object exerted by a spring.
• Be able to use Newton’s second law for accelerating objects.

Lab IV – 1
PROBLEM #1: MEASURING SPRING CONSTANTS

PROBLEM #1:
MEASURING SPRING CONSTANTS
Your research group is studying the properties of a virus that attaches to the outside of a healthy cell
and injects its RNA into that cell. The injection process relies on a single large molecule in the virus
that provides the force for the injection process. This biopolymer is coiled up like a spring and
pushes the RNA through the cell wall. Your group needs to determine the maximum force the
molecule can exert when it uncoils like a spring. You know you can determine the “spring constant”
of the polymer by measuring its extension in response to a known force. However, it is much easier
to disturb the molecule and observe its oscillation. This should give you the result you need since the
oscillation period of a system also depends on the spring constant. To compare the two methods of
determining the spring constant, you decide to try them both in the lab. First you need to calculate
the spring constant as a function of the forces on the system and the properties of the system that you
can measure using each method.

EQUIPMENT

You will have a spring, clamps, a vertical support, a meter stick,

a stopwatch, a balance, a set of weights, and a computer with a
video analysis application written in LabVIEW™.

PREDICTIONS

Restate the problem in terms of quantities you know or can measure. Beginning with basic physics
principles, show how you get an equation that gives the solution to the problem for each method.
Make sure that you state any approximations or assumptions that you are making. Do you expect
the two methods to yield similar results?

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

Read Serway & Jewett: section 2.4, Chapter 4, sections 12.1 and 12.2.

Method #1:
1. Make a sketch of an object suspended from a spring, as shown in the equipment section.
Draw and label the forces acting on the object when it is in equilibrium. Use Newton’s
second law to write an equation that relates the forces acting on the object. Solve your
equation for the spring constant.
2. Sketch a graph of the weight of the object versus the extension of the spring. What does
the slope of the graph tell you?

Lab IV- 2
 PROBLEM #1: MEASURING SPRING CONSTANTS

Method #2:
1. Draw a picture of the object hanging on the spring at a time when the object is below its
equilibrium position. Identify and label this position on a coordinate axis with an origin
at the equilibrium position of the object.
2. Label the forces acting on the object at this position Next to the diagram draw a vector
representing the acceleration of the object.
3. Write down an equation relating the forces on the object to its acceleration. Write down
an equation that relates the force exerted by the spring on the object to the displacement
of the object from its equilibrium position.
4. Solve your equation for the acceleration of the object as a function of the mass of the
suspended object, the spring constant, and the displacement of the object from its
equilibrium position.
5. Write down the definition of the acceleration of an object, in terms of the rate of change of
its position using calculus notation. Re-write your equation from the previous question,
so that position including its derivatives is the only variable.
6. Solve that equation for the position as a function of time by guessing a reasonable
solution and trying it. How do you justify your guess? Determine the values of constants
necessary to satisfy the equation. Which of these constants is related to the period of the
system? Why? Show how the period depends on the spring constant.

EXPLORATION

Method #1: Select a series of masses that give a usable range of displacements. The largest mass
should not pull the spring past its elastic limit (about 60 cm). Beyond that point you will damage
the spring. Decide on a procedure that allows you to measure the extension of the spring in a
consistent manner. Decide how many masses ou will need to use to make a reliable measurement of
the spring constant.

Method #2: Select a range of object masses that give a regular oscillation without excessive wobbling
to the hanging end of the spring. Make sure that the largest mass does not pull the spring past its
elastic limit while oscillating. Practice starting the mass so that it oscillates vertically in a smooth
and consistent manner. Using a stopwatch, decide whether or not the oscillation amplitude affects its
period, for a particular mass.

Practice making a video to record the motion of the object. Decide how to measure the period of
oscillation of the spring-object system both by video and by using a stopwatch. How can you
minimize the uncertainty introduced by your reaction time in starting and stopping the stopwatch?
How many times should you measure the period to get a reliable value? How will you determine
the uncertainty in the period?

Write down your measurement plan.

Lab IV – 3
PROBLEM #1: MEASURING SPRING CONSTANTS

MEASUREMENT

Method #1: Make the measurements necessary to determine the equilibrium spring extension for
different masses.

Method #2: Make a video of the motion of the hanging object to find its oscillation period. Compare
the stopwatch measurements with the video measurements. Repeat for objects with different masses.

Analyze your data as you go along so you can decide how many measurements you need to make to
determine the spring constant accurately and reliably.

ANALYSIS

Method #1: Make a graph of the weight of the hanging object as a function of spring extension. From
the slope of this graph, calculate the value of the spring constant, including the measurement
uncertainty.

Method #2: Determine the period of the motion of the object from the graph of position as a function
of time. Make a graph of the period of the oscillation as a function of mass for the object. If this
graph is not a straight line, make another graph with the period as a function of mass raised to some
power such that the graph is a straight line. From the slope of the straight-line graph, calculate the
value of the spring constant, including the uncertainty.

CONCLUSION

How do the two values of the spring constant compare? Which method of measuring the spring
constant is more efficient? Which method do you feel is the most reliable? Justify your answers.

Does the oscillation period depend on the oscillation amplitude? Defend your response with data
from the exploration, and with arguments based on the prediction equation.

What is the spring constant of a polymer extended to 2 nanometers with a force of 0.2 x10-12 Newton?
What would be its oscillation period?

Lab IV- 4
 PROBLEM #2: OSCILLATION FREQUENCY WITH TWO SPRINGS

PROBLEM #2:
OSCILLATION FREQUENCY WITH TWO SPRINGS
You have a job with a group practicing industrial medicine. Your group is advising employees on
how to avoid repetitive stress syndrome. As part of a demonstration, you have been asked to build a
simple mechanical system that repeats its motion. You decide to place a low friction cart between
two springs. To be able to adjust the period in a predictable manner, you calculate the oscillation
period of the system as a function of the cart mass and the two spring constants. You then decide to
check your calculation in the lab.

EQUIPMENT

You will have an aluminum track, two adjustable end stops, two springs, a meter stick, a stopwatch,
a cart, cart masses, and the video analysis equipment.

Cart

PREDICTION

Restate the problem in terms of quantities you know or can measure. Beginning with basic physics
principles, show how you get an equation that gives the solution to the problem. Make sure that you
state any approximations or assumptions that you are making. Make a graph of period of the system
as a function of the cart’s mass for a given set of springs.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

Read Serway & Jewett: section 2.4, Chapter 4, sections 12.1 and 12.2.
1. Make two pictures of the oscillating cart, one at its equilibrium position, and one at some
other position and time while it is oscillating. On each of your sketches, show the
direction of the velocity and acceleration of the cart. Identify and label the relevant forces
and positions.

Lab IV – 5
PROBLEM #2: OSCILLATION FREQUENCY WITH TWO SPRINGS

2. Decide on a coordinate system and draw a free-body diagram of the cart at a position
other than its equilibrium position. Label the forces and define the symbols you are
using. Draw the acceleration vector near the diagram.
3. Write down the equation relating the forces on the cart to its acceleration. Write down an
equation that relates the force exerted by each spring on the object to the displacement of
the object from its equilibrium position.
4. Solve your equation for the acceleration of the cart as a function of its mass, the spring
constants, and the displacement of the cart from its equilibrium position.
5. Write down the definition of the acceleration of the cart, in terms of the rate of change of
its position using calculus notation. Re-write your equation from the previous question,
so that position including its derivatives is the only variable.
6. Solve that equation for the position as a function of time by guessing a reasonable
solution and trying it. How do you justify your guess? Determine the values of constants
necessary to satisfy the equation. Which of these constants is related to the period of the
system? Why? Show how the period depends on the spring constants and the mass of
the cart.

EXPLORATION

Decide on the best method to determine each spring constant based on the results of a previous lab
problem. DO NOT STRETCH THE SPRINGS PAST THEIR ELASTIC LIMIT (ABOUT 60 CM)
OR YOU WILL DAMAGE THEM.

Find the best place for the adjustable end stop on the track. Do not stretch the springs past 60 cm, but
stretch them enough so they oscillate the cart smoothly. Practice releasing the cart smoothly. Use a
stopwatch to roughly determine the period of oscillation. Use this to set up the time axis in
LabVIEW. Determine if the period depends appreciably on the starting amplitude of the oscillation.
Decide on the best starting amplitude to use for your measurements.

You will notice that the amplitude of the oscillation decreases as time goes by. What causes it? Check
if this seems to affect the period of oscillation.

Try changing the mass of the cart and observe how that qualitatively changes its period of oscillation.
How much of a mass change is too little to see an effect? How much of a mass change is too much?
Write down your measurement plan.

MEASUREMENT

Determine the spring constant for each spring. Record these values. What is the uncertainty in these
measurements?

Use the video equipment to record the motion of the cart. Record a sufficient number of complete
cycles to reliably measure the oscillation period and to determine how it changes with amplitude.
Repeat for different cart masses.

Lab IV- 6
 PROBLEM #2: OSCILLATION FREQUENCY WITH TWO SPRINGS

Analyze your data as you go along in order to determine the magnitude and number of different cart
masses you need to use. Collect enough data to convince yourself and others of your conclusions.

ANALYSIS

Analyze your video to find the period of oscillation. Make a graph of period vs. cart mass, showing the
estimated uncertainty.

Using your prediction, calculate the predicted period for these springs and each cart mass you used.
Record these points on your graph, with estimated uncertainty.

CONCLUSION

Did your measurements agree with your predictions? Explain any discrepancies. What are the
limitations on the accuracy of your measurements and analysis?

If you decided that your first attempt produced an oscillation frequency too fast for effective
demonstration, what kinds of changes could you make to increase the period?

Lab IV – 7
PROBLEM #3: OSCILLATION FREQUENCY OF AN EXTENDED SYSTEM

PROBLEM #3:
OSCILLATION FREQUENCY OF AN EXTENDED SYSTEM
A male cricket produces sound by oscillating its wings. This sound has a specific frequency
distribution that attracts females of the same species. You are interested in the sensitivity of the
females – will they respond to slightly different frequencies? The frequency of the sound is the same
as the frequency of the oscillating wing. To change the frequency you will add a very small mass to
the males’ wings. To model this, you decide to attach one end of a low friction cart to a spring. The
other end you attach to a string that goes over a pulley and is connected to an object hanging straight
down. As the cart moves back and forth, it raises and lowers the object. First you need to be able to
calculate how the frequency of the system depends on the amount of mass hanging from the string.
After that, you will check your calculations in the lab.

EQUIPMENT

You have an aluminum track with an adjustable end stop, a pulley, a pulley clamp, a spring, a cart,
some strings, a mass hanger, a mass set, cart masses, a meter stick, a stopwatch and the video
analysis equipment.

Cart

PREDICTION

Restate the problem in terms of quantities you know or can measure. Beginning with basic physics
principles, show how you get an equation that gives the solution to the problem. Make sure that you
state any approximations or assumptions that you are making.

Make a graph of frequency of the system as a function of mass of the hanging object for a given cart
mass and spring constant. Will the frequency increase, decrease or stay the same as the hanging
mass increases?

Lab IV- 8
 PROBLEM #3: OSCILLATION FREQUENCY OF AN EXTENDED SYSTEM

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

Read Serway & Jewett: section 2.4, Chapter 4, sections 12.1 and 12.2.
1. Make two pictures, one when the cart and hanging object are at their equilibrium position
and one at some other position. On your pictures, show the direction of the acceleration
of the cart and hanging object. Identify and label the known (measurable) and unknown
quantities.
2. Decide on a coordinate system and draw separate force diagrams of the cart and the
hanging object. Label the forces acting on each object. Draw the appropriate acceleration
vector next to each force diagram.
3. Independently apply Newton's laws to the cart and to the hanging object. Is the
magnitude of the acceleration of the cart always equal to that of the hanging object? Is the
force the string exerts on the cart always equal to the weight of the hanging object?
Explain.
4. Solve your equations for the acceleration of the cart in terms of quantities you know or
can measure. Write the acceleration as the second derivative of position with respect to
time.
5. Solve that equation for the position as a function of time by guessing a reasonable
solution and trying it. How do you justify your guess? Determine the values of constants
necessary to satisfy the equation. Which of these constants is related to the period of the
system? Why? Show how the frequency depends on the spring constant and the masses
of the cart and the hanging object. Sketch a graph of frequency vs. mass of hanging object for
constant cart mass and spring constant.

EXPLORATION

Find the best place for the adjustable end stop on the track. DO NOT STRETCH THE SPRING
PAST 60 CM OR YOU WILL DAMAGE IT, but stretch it enough so the cart and hanging mass
oscillate smoothly.

Determine the best range of masses for the hanging object. Use a stopwatch to roughly determine the
period of oscillation. Use this to set up the time axis in LabVIEW. Determine if the period depends
appreciably on the starting amplitude of the oscillation. Decide on the best starting amplitude to use
for your measurements. Try adding some mass to the cart to see how it affects the motion.

Practice releasing the cart and hanging object smoothly and consistently. You want to make sure that
the hanging object moves straight up and down and does not swing from side to side. You may
notice the amplitude of oscillation decreases. Explain the cause. Does this affect the period of
oscillation?

MEASUREMENT

If necessary, determine the spring constant of your spring. What is the uncertainty in your
measurement?

Lab IV – 9
PROBLEM #3: OSCILLATION FREQUENCY OF AN EXTENDED SYSTEM

Use the video to record the motion of the cart. Record a sufficient number of complete cycles to
reliably measure the oscillation period and to determine how it changes with amplitude. Repeat for
enough different hanging object masses to make a graph of frequency as a function of mass. Analyze
your data as you go in order to determine the magnitude and number of different hanging masses
you need to use.

Collect enough data to convince yourself and others of your conclusion regarding the dependence of
the oscillation frequency on the mass of the hanging object.

ANALYSIS

Analyze your video to find the period of oscillation. Calculate the frequency (with uncertainty) of the
oscillations from your measured period. Make a graph of frequency as a function of hanging object
mass.

Calculate your predicted frequency for each value of the hanging object’s mass and plot those
predicted values on your graph.

CONCLUSION

What are the limitations on the accuracy of your measurements and analysis? Over what range of
values does the measured graph match the predicted graph best? Do the two curves start to diverge
from one another? If so, where? What does this tell you about the system?

If you were to use this device on the surface of the moon, where the gravitational field is much
weaker than on the earth’s surface, would you expect the frequency to be any different? Use physics
arguments and your prediction equation to justify your explanation.

Lab IV- 10
 PROBLEM #4: DRIVEN OSCILLATIONS

PROBLEM #4:
DRIVEN OSCILLATIONS
You are working a consultant to a medical school that wants to introduce future doctors to Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. You are asked to design a device that illustrates the principle of
resonance. You decide to use a low friction cart connected between two springs. One spring is
connected to a device that mechanically pulses the spring at a frequency which can be varied while
the other spring is connected to an end stop. The amplitude of the mechanical oscillator’s movement
is only a few millimeters. Make an educated guess, justified by your experience, about what
frequency of the mechanical oscillator will cause the maximum oscillation of the cart. How big do
you think the amplitude of this oscillation will be?

EQUIPMENT

You will have an aluminum track, an adjustable end stop, two springs, a clamp, a meter stick, a
stopwatch, a cart, a mechanical oscillator, two cables with banana plugs, and a function generator.
The mechanical oscillator has a rod that goes back and forth with an adjustable frequency that can be
read out from a display on the function generator.

PREDICTION

Restate the problem in terms of quantities you know or can measure. Calculate the oscillation
frequency of the cart when the mechanical oscillator is turned off. This is called the system’s natural
frequency.

Sketch a graph illustrating, qualitatively, how you expect the amplitude of the cart’s oscillation to
vary with the frequency of the mechanical oscillator. Will the maximum amplitude occur at a
frequency less than, equal to, or greater than the natural frequency of the cart and the springs?

Lab IV – 11
PROBLEM #4: DRIVEN OSCILLATIONS

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

Read Serway & Jewett: sections 12.1 and 12.2

1. If you have not already calculated the oscillation frequency of the cart and two springs
without the mechanical oscillator, follow the Warm-up Questions of problem 2.
2. To qualitatively decide on the behavior of the system with the mechanical oscillator
attached and turned on, think about an experience you have had putting energy into an
oscillating system. For example, think about pushing someone on a swing. When is the
best time to push to get the maximum height for the person on the swing? How does the
frequency of your push compare to the natural frequency of the person on the swing?
How does the maximum height of the swinger compare to the size of your push?

EXPLORATION

Examine the mechanical oscillator. Mount it at the end of the aluminum track, using the clamp and
metal rod so its shaft is aligned with the cart's motion. Connect it to the function generator, using the
output marked Lo (for “low impedance”). Use between middle and maximum amplitude to observe
the oscillation of the cart at the lowest frequency possible.

Determine the accuracy of the digital display on the frequency generator by using the stopwatch to
measure one of the lower frequencies.

Devise a scheme to accurately determine the amplitude of a cart on the track, and practice the
technique.

What happens to the cart when you change frequencies? Determine how long you should stay at one
frequency in order to determine an effect. Try changing frequencies. For each new frequency you
try, does it matter whether or not you restart the cart from rest?

Try setting the driver frequency to the natural frequency of the cart-spring system. Determine the
response sensitivity by making very small changes in the frequency and watching the result. Plan a
strategy to find the frequency for maximum amplitude oscillation.

If you guessed that some other pushing frequencies would be effective, try them to see their effect.

MEASUREMENT

Collect enough cart amplitude and oscillator frequency data to test your prediction. Be sure to collect
several data points near the natural frequency of the system.

When the mechanical oscillator is at or near the natural frequency of the cart-spring system, try to
simultaneously observe the motion of the cart and the shaft of the mechanical oscillator. Describe
what you see. What happens when the oscillator’s frequency is twice as large as the natural
frequency?

Lab IV- 12
 PROBLEM #4: DRIVEN OSCILLATIONS

ANALYSIS

Make a graph of the oscillation amplitude of the cart as a function of the oscillator frequency.

CONCLUSION

Was your prediction correct? How does it differ from the results? Explain. What is the limitation on
the accuracy of your measurements and analysis?

How does the maximum kinetic energy of the cart compare with the energy input to the system by
each stroke of the mechanical oscillator? Describe, qualitatively, how conservation of energy can be
applied to this system.

Lab IV – 13
PROBLEM #5: SIMPLE PENDULUM

PROBLEM #5:
SIMPLE PENDULUM
You work for a NASA team investigating the effects of a reduced gravity environment, such as in a
space station or the Martian surface, on human biological cycles. One theory is that the body has
many mechanical oscillators within it and it is the effect of the gravitational force on these oscillators
that changes biological cycles. Although you do not believe this theory, you decide to test it. As a
first step, you decide to study a simple cyclical physical system that you know depends on the
gravitational force, the pendulum. First you calculate an expression relating the period of the
pendulum to the gravitational acceleration and properties of the pendulum. To make your
calculation easier, you only consider small oscillations. You will then test your calculations in the
laboratory.

EQUIPMENT

The pendulum consists of a small object, called a bob, connected to one end of a string which is
suspended by the other end. You will also have a meter stick, a stopwatch, a set of different mass
bobs, and a stand from which to hang the pendulum.

PREDICTION

Restate the problem in terms of quantities you know or can measure. Beginning with basic physics
principles, show how you get an equation that gives the solution to the problem. Make sure that you
state any approximations or assumptions that you are making.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

Read Serway & Jewett: section 12.4

There are two ways to solve this problem, one using forces and acceleration and the other using
conservation of energy. The main features of both are given below. After trying both, decide which
you like better. Both should give the same answer.

Method #1 (Force and acceleration)

1. Draw a picture of the pendulum at some typical time in its swing. Label all the forces
acting on the bob, all relevant lengths, and the angle of the pendulum. Draw a free-body
diagram of the forces on the bob.
2. Choose a coordinate system with one axis along the direction of the bob’s motion.
Transfer your forces to that coordinate system and relate any angles to the pendulum
angle. Write down Newton’s second law to express the component of acceleration in the
direction the bob moves. The bob moves on the circumference of a circle. What is the
radius of that circle?

Lab IV- 14
 PROBLEM #5: SIMPLE PENDULUM

3. How is the distance that the pendulum bob swings along that circle (its arclength) related
to the pendulum angle measured in radians? The acceleration of the bob along its path is
the time derivative of how that distance changes with time. Use the arclength relationship
to write down the acceleration of the bob along its circular path in terms of the pendulum
angle and the length of the pendulum. Use this acceleration in the Newton’s law
equation from 2.
4. Use the small angle approximation, that the sine of an angle is approximately equal to the
angle in radians, to modify your equation so that the only variable is the angle.
5. Solve that equation for the angle of the pendulum as a function of time by guessing a
reasonable solution and trying it. How do you justify your guess? Determine the values
of constants necessary to satisfy the equation. Which of these constants is related to the
period of the system? Why? Show how the period depends on the gravitational
acceleration and the length of the pendulum. Sketch a graph of period vs. gravitational
acceleration for a constant length pendulum.

Method #2 (Conservation of energy)

1. Define your system. Be sure to indicate all external forces that can transfer energy to or
from the system. Write an energy conservation equation for the system.
2. Use geometry to change terms that involve the height of the pendulum bob into terms
involving the pendulum angle.
3. Use the definition of the angle in radians to write the velocity of the pendulum bob in
terms of a time derivative of the pendulum angle.
4. Take the time derivative of the resulting conservation of energy equation. Don’t forget
the Chain Rule. Then use the small angle approximation, that the sine of an angle is
approximately equal to the angle in radians, to modify your equation so that the only
variable is the angle.
5. Solve that equation for the angle of the pendulum as a function of time by guessing a
reasonable solution and trying it. How do you justify your guess? Determine the values
of constants necessary to satisfy the equation. Which of these constants is related to the
period of the system? Why? Show how the period depends on the gravitational
acceleration and the length of the pendulum. Sketch a graph of period vs. gravitational
acceleration for a constant length pendulum.

EXPLORATION

Try different masses for the pendulum bob. According to your prediction, should this change the
oscillation frequency? Does it?

Try releasing the pendulum bob at different heights. Does the period vary when the pendulum is
released at different heights? What range of angles appears to be small enough for the small angle
approximation to be good?

Lab IV – 15
PROBLEM #5: SIMPLE PENDULUM

Try different lengths for the pendulum. Determine a range of lengths for which you can reliably
measure the oscillation frequency, and for which the frequency will vary enough to test your
prediction.

Determine an efficient way to vary the length of the pendulum, to measure that length, and to
measure the oscillation frequency. Write down your measurement plan.

MEASUREMENT

Follow your measurement plan. Be sure to take more than one measurement for each length, and to
estimate the uncertainties in the measurements.

ANALYSIS

As you take each measurement, create a graph of the oscillation period versus the length of the
pendulum (with uncertainties). Is the relationship linear? Did you predict a linear relationship? Plot
the prediction equation on the same graph as the data.

Use your prediction to decide on a set of axes that will linearize the data (give a linear relationship).
Graph your prediction equation and your measurements on these axes.

As a check of your data, use the slope of the line to determine the gravitational acceleration. Compare
it to the expected value.

CONCLUSION

Did the measured period follow your predictions? If not, explain why.

How close is your calculated value for the gravitational acceleration to the accepted value? Based on
the uncertainties of your measurements, how close should it be? If it is not close enough, explain
why.

If the pendulum were moved from the earth’s surface to the surface of the moon, where the
gravitational acceleration is approximately one-sixth the value we are accustomed to, what effect
should that have on the pendulum’s period?

Lab IV- 16
 ; CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
1. The diagram below shows an oscillating mass/spring system at times 0, T/4, T/2, 3T/4, and T,
where T is the period of oscillation. For each of these times, write an expression for the
displacement (x), the velocity (v), the acceleration (a), the kinetic energy (KE), and the potential
energy (PE) in terms of the amplitude of the oscillations (A), the angular frequency (w), and the spring
constant (k).

t x v a KE PE

T
4

T
2

3T
4

-xmin equilibrium +x max

position

2. Identical masses are attached to identical springs which

hang vertically. The masses are pulled down and
released, but mass B is pulled further down than mass
A, as shown at right.

a. Which mass will take a longer time to reach the

A
equilibrium position? Explain.

b. Which mass will have the greater acceleration at the

instant of release, or will they have the same
acceleration? Explain.

c. Which mass will be going faster as it passes through

B
equilibrium, or will they have the same speed?
Explain.

d. Which mass will have the greater acceleration at the equilibrium point, or will they have the
same acceleration? Explain.

Lab IV - 17
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

3. Two different masses are attached to different

springs which hang vertically. Mass A is larger,
but the period of simple harmonic motion is the
same for both systems. They are pulled the same
distance below their equilibrium positions and
A B
released from rest.

a. Which spring has the greater spring constant? Explain.

b. Which spring is stretched more at its equilibrium position? Explain.

c. The instant after release, which mass has the greater acceleration? Explain.

d. If potential energy is defined to be zero at the equilibrium position for each mass, which
system has the greater total energy of motion? Explain.

e. Which mass will have the greater kinetic energy as it passes through its equilibrium
position? Explain

f. Which mass will have the greater speed as it passes through equilibrium? Explain.

4. Five identical springs and three

identical masses are arranged as
shown at right.

a. Compare the stretches of the

springs at equilibrium in the m a m c
three cases. Explain.

b. Which case would execute

simple harmonic motion with the m b
greatest period? With the least
period? Explain.

Lab IV - 18
TA Name:

PHYSICS 1201 LABORATORY REPORT

Laboratory IV

Name and ID#:

Date performed: Day/Time section meets:
Lab Partners' Names:

Problem # and Title:

Lab Instructor's Initials:

Grading Checklist Points*

LABORATORY JOURNAL:

PREDICTIONS
(individual predictions and warm-up questions completed in journal before each lab session)

LAB PROCEDURE
(measurement plan recorded in journal, tables and graphs made in journal as data is collected,
observations written in journal)

PROBLEM REPORT:

ORGANIZATION
(clear and readable; logical progression from problem statement through conclusions; pictures
provided where necessary; correct grammar and spelling; section headings provided; physics
stated correctly)

DATA AND DATA TABLES

(clear and readable; units and assigned uncertainties clearly stated)

RESULTS
(results clearly indicated; correct, logical, and well-organized calculations with uncertainties
indicated; scales, labels and uncertainties on graphs; physics stated correctly)

CONCLUSIONS
(comparison to prediction & theory discussed with physics stated correctly ; possible sources
of uncertainties identified; attention called to experimental problems)

TOTAL(incorrect or missing statement of physics will result in a maximum of 60% of the total
points achieved; incorrect grammar or spelling will result in a maximum of 70% of the total
points achieved)

BONUS POINTS FOR TEAMWORK

(as specified by course policy)

* An "R" in the points column means to rewrite that section only and return it to your lab instructor within
two days of the return of the report to you.

Lab IV – 19
Lab IV - 20