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 11, 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.
Note: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to write the lab reports is strictly forbidden. This includes AI-based spell checks and grammar checks, utilizing a chatbot or LLM for writing and data analysis, and using AI to format tables, convert files, etc. All papers will be checked for plagiarism and AI. Any suspected plagiarism and use of AI will be reported as a suspected violation of the academic honesty policy of the University of Rochester.
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Last updated on
Monday, October 12, 2026 14:06
