Meter Stick Oscillations
In this experiment, students determine that the period of a vibrating meter stick is proportional to the square of the meter stick's length.
Photogate version
Motion Sensor version
Lab Summary
In this experiment, students find the relationship between the period of vibration of a meter stick and the length of the meter stick. The period of the vibrating stick is measured with a photogate; an alternate version uses a motion sensor.
Downloads
- Meter Stick Oscillations (450 KB, .zip)
Includes experiment setup and procedures, DataStudio files and teacher hints.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Probeware and Equipment for use with Photogate
USB Link (PS-2100A) - $59
Allows USB based PASPORT sensors to connect and communicate with USB-compatible computers.
PASPORT Digital Adapter (PS-2159) - $59
The Digital Adapter allows ScienceWorkshop analog sensors to be connected and used with PASPORT interfaces.
Photogate Head (ME-9498A) - $45
Monitors the motion of objects passing through its gate, counting events as the object breaks the infrared beam. For use with PASPORT and ScienceWorkshop Interfaces.
Pulley Mounting Rod (SA-9242) - $12
14 cm long mounting rod fits most lab clamps and is threaded to screw into the Super Pulley.
Large Rod Base (ME-8735) - $89
A sturdy, general-purpose base can support one or two rods, and is ideal for experiment setups that require extra stability.
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Not available for online ordering at this time. Please contact Customer Support at 800-772-8700 or 916-786-3800.
Learn more
Large C Clamp (6 Pack) (SE-7285) - $65
This rugged 10 cm clamp is perfect for attaching a variety of objects to a table. Package of 6.
Meter Sticks, 6 Pack (SE-8827) - $29
Hardwood meter stick with metric graduations. Scale reads left to right on one side, right to left on the other.
ALTERNATE VERSION - for use with Motion Sensor
USB Link (PS-2100A) - $59
Allows USB based PASPORT sensors to connect and communicate with USB-compatible computers.
PASPORT Motion Sensor (PS-2103A) - $80
Accurately measures position, velocity, and acceleration of a target. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Large Rod Base (ME-8735) - $89
A sturdy, general-purpose base can support one or two rods, and is ideal for experiment setups that require extra stability.
()
Not available for online ordering at this time. Please contact Customer Support at 800-772-8700 or 916-786-3800.
Learn more
Large C Clamp (6 Pack) (SE-7285) - $65
This rugged 10 cm clamp is perfect for attaching a variety of objects to a table. Package of 6.
Meter Sticks, 6 Pack (SE-8827) - $29
Hardwood meter stick with metric graduations. Scale reads left to right on one side, right to left on the other.
