Periodic & Circular Motion: Harmonic Motion

Students will measure the period of oscillation of a mass on the end of a spring and compare the measured period to a theoretical value based on the mass and the spring constant.

Lab Summary:

In both Math and Science an understanding of harmonic behavior is fundamental.

Using a simple mass and spring, your students see the force plotted on their screen in real time. They can change the parameters of the system and compare the period of the resulting sinusoidal data with the theoretical value they calculate from the mass and spring constant.

This simple system is a great way to introduce the idea of a mathematical model to your students.

Download Free Lab  (PDF, 272 KB)

(student version)

Method:

Use a Force Sensor to measure the force on a spring as a mass oscillates up and down on the end of the spring.

Here's What You Need:

Probeware

• PASPORT Force Sensor (PS-2104)
• Xplorer GLX Graphing Datalogger (PS-2002)
  (or alternate PASPORT interface -- see other options)

Other Materials

• Large Base and Support Rod (ME-9355)
• Rod, 45 cm (18") Stainless Steel, 1/2" dia. (ME-8736)
• Double Rod Clamp (3 pack) (ME-9873)
• Equal Length Spring Set (ME-8970)
• OHAUS Triple Beam Balance w/o Tare (SE-8723)
• Hooked Mass Set (SE-8759)

Lab Manual:

This activity is included in Physics with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2826), complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data for a total of 35 probeware-based labs. For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware necessary for the activities in the manual. For more information on these resources and bundles, click here.