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Physics Practicals

Oscillations Module Equipment List and Setup

Oscillations Equipment List and Setup April 18, 2023, 2:27 p.m.

Table of contents

    What

    Qty

    Activities

    Spring-mass system mounted on a ring stand. The mass should be about 200 grams.

    1

    4

    another coupleof hook masses (ie 100 g and 200 g) so that the equilibrium spring length of more than one value of mass can be measured, to find spring constant 2 4
    masking tape 1 4
    meter stick 1 4

    Motion Sensor II, Pasco CI-6742A

    1

    4

    Rotary Motion Sensor (RMS), Pasco CI-6538

    1

    9

    Rod and Mass for the RMS

    1

    9

     

    Setup Notes

     

    Note for activity 4: The hanging masses are hollow and sometimes the annular-shaped bottom surface is not a reliable reflector of the ultrasound from the Motion Sensor. The masking tape is used to make the bottom surface more solid to reflected sound.

     

    The spring-mass system for Activity 4 should have a period of oscillation of about 0.7 seconds. The mount needs to be high enough that when it is vertically oscillating with a maximum amplitude of about 3 cm, at the bottom of the oscillation the mass can be at least 15 cm above the Motion Sensor.

     

    NOTE: if combinations of masses are used in order to more accurately measure the spring constant via Hooke’s Law, be sure to move the sensor out of the way in case masses fall!

     

    The RMS should be mounted on a ring stand, with the rod and mass attached.

    last modified: April 18, 2023, 2:27 p.m.