Description: Interactive free flash animation to simulate an activity to find the relationship between the period T and the mass m of the object.
Instructions:
1. Find k and l0:
Measure the length l of the spring for two different values of the mass m of the object.
Having put both pairs (m ; l) in the right equations, calculate the values of the spring constant k and of the length l0 relative to the equilibrium position.
2. Does the period T of oscillations depend on the mass m of the object?
For eight different values from the mass of the object, activate oscillations of the system {mass + spring} by taking away the object of its equilibrium position and by releasing it.
- Measure the oscillations period T for each value of the mass m.
- Calculate T2 for each value of the period T.
- Note the pairs of values (T2 ; m) into an array.
- Plot the curve of T2 = f(m)
a. Does the period T of oscillations depend on the mass m of the object?
b. What would be the period of the oscillations of an object with the mass of m = 88 g?
Show the method used by drawing on the graph.
c. What is the nature of the given curve?
Determine its gradient expressed in s².kg-1.
d. Deduct from it the relationship between T2 and m.
Definition:
Simple pendulum: Hypothetical pendulum suspended by a massless and frictionless thread of constant length.
Video: PCCL does not post a video here as it is up to the students to complete the activity.
