Complete Experiments: Oscillations
Capstone 'EX' experiments include all the apparatus, sensors (when needed), manuals, and PASCO Capstone files you'll need in your student physics lab.
Grade Level: College
Subject: Physics
Activities
01) Large Amplitude Pendulum
This experiment explores the dependence of the period of a simple pendulum on the amplitude of the oscillation. Also, the angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration for large amplitude are plotted versus time to show the difference from the sinusoidal motion of low amplitude oscillations. The student uses calculus to quantitatively see the relationships between the angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration curves.
02) Physical Pendulum - Period and Inertia
Period - This experiment explores the dependence of the period of a physical pendulum (a uniform bar) on the distance between the pivot point and the center of mass of the physical pendulum. Rotational Inertia - The period of oscillation of a physical pendulum will be measured and used to calculate the rotational inertia of the pendulum. The rotational inertia is also determined by measuring the mass and the dimensions of the pendulum.
03) Variable-g Pendulum
This experiment explores the dependence of the period of a simple pendulum on the acceleration due to gravity.
04) Physical Pendulum Period and Inertia
This experiment has two parts: 1. Period of a Thin Rod explores the dependence of the period of a physical pendulum (a uniform bar) on the distance between the pivot point and the center of mass of the physical pendulum. 2. In Physical Pendulum Rotational Inertia, the period of oscillation of a physical pendulum will be measured and used to calculate the rotational inertia of the pendulum. The rotational inertia is also determined by measuring the mass and the dimensions of the pendulum.
05) Physical Pendulum Period - Wireless
This experiment has two parts: 1. Period of a Thin Rod explores the dependence of the period of a physical pendulum (a uniform bar) on the distance between the pivot point and the center of mass of the physical pendulum. 2. In Physical Pendulum Rotational Inertia, the period of oscillation of a physical pendulum will be measured and used to calculate the rotational inertia of the pendulum. The rotational inertia is also determined by measuring the mass and the dimensions of the pendulum.
06) Driven Damped Cart Oscillations
The oscillator consists of a Smart Cart attached to two springs. The damping is provided by magnets mounted on the Smart Cart that cause eddy currents in the aluminum track. The amplitude of the oscillation is plotted versus the driving frequency for different amounts of magnetic damping. Increased damping is provided by moving adjustable magnets closer to the aluminum track.
07) Driven Damped Harmonic Oscillations
The oscillator consists of an aluminum disk with a pulley that has a string wrapped around it to two springs. The angular positions and velocities of the disk and the driver are recorded as a function of time using two Rotary Motion Sensors. The amplitude of the oscillation is plotted versus the driving frequency for different amounts of magnetic damping. Increased damping is provided by moving an adjustable magnet closer to the aluminum disk.
08) Coupled Pendulum
Two pendula are coupled by a spring. This system has two natural modes: 1. The two pendula swing in phase with each other. 2. The two pendula swing 180 degrees out of phase. When one of the pendula is held at rest and the other is set oscillating, the energy of the oscillating pendulum is transferred to the other pendulum by the spring. The period of the energy transfer can be predicted and verified by experiment.
09) Chaos
The chaotic behavior of driven nonlinear pendulum is explored by graphing its motion in phase space and by making a Poincare plot. These plots are compared to the motion of the pendulum when it is not chaotic.
