CP16 Determine the value of an unknown Mass using the Resonant Frequencies

Question 1

How?

Answer 1

Hang a number of masses on the end of a spring
Extend the spring up to the position of the fiducial marker, release it and start the stopwatch
Measure time for 10 oscillations; use the fiducial mark on a clamp stand to improve accuracy
Find the period for the oscillation of a given mass by dividing time by 10
Repeat the process several times and find the mean period
Vary the number of masses and record the period for each condition
Plot T^2 (y-axis) against m and draw a line of best fit with the equation

Question 2

Safety?

Answer 2

Don’t overload the spring
Clamp the stand to the desk to stop falling
The sand tray below mass in case it falls
Wear safety goggle incase spring snaps

Question 3

Reducing uncertainty

Answer 3

Finding the time for 10 oscillations and dividing by 10
Make sure the fiducial marker is at the equilibrium position
Use a motion tracker and data logger for more accuracy
Measure at eye level to remove parallax error