In this laboratory you will conduct two experiments to measure the spring constant k of a spring. The setup to be used is shown in the following Figure.
The following two techniques should be used to determine k:
- Static technique: measure the length of the spring as function of the force exerted on it.
- Harmonic technique: measure the period of the harmonic motion that the system carries out after is has been displaced from its equilibrium position.
Think about the following issues:
- The forces acting on the cart
- How do you obtain k from static measurements and harmonic measurements?
- Where do you put the photogate (you can move it during the experiment)?
- How do you determine the errors in k?
Make sure you do a prelimenary analysis of your data during the lab so that you can catch any mistakes before leaving. You will need to design your own apporach to the determination of the errors in your measurements. The approach you use will influence the way you carry out your experiment. In your lab report you will need to compare the two different values of k obtained using these different techniques. Are they consistent? What is your best estimate of k?
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The lab report for Experiment # 4 is due on Wednesday November 6, 2024 at 12 pm. The lab reports must be submitted in pdf format using the phy141 laboratory drop box. Use the following format for the name of the lab report you are submitting: Exp#-LastName-FirstName-StudentID.pdfwhere # is the experiments number (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5), LastName is your last name, FirstName is your first name, and StudentID is you student ID number. Note: lab report # 4 will carry a weight that is twice as large as the weight of report # 3.
Quick links:
- Error analysis documents:
Last updated on
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 10:18
