Simple Harmonic Motion

OBJECT:

The objective of this lab is to obtain the spring constant by using the simple harmonic motion of the spring-mass system. Once the spring constant is obtained it is to be compared to the spring constant obtained by Hooke's Law.

PROCEDURE:

1) Using a meter stick measure the distance from the attached point of the spring to the end of the spring, at this time there is to be no mass on the spring. Once this measurement is obtained the elongations can be calculated by subtracting the new measurements from this first measurement.

2) Add a weight to the spring and record the distance. The new distance is to be subtracted from the first distance.

3) Using the same weight pull the mass down an additional 20cm. Once the spring is elongated it is to be let go. When the spring is released from it's elongated position the stopwatch is started. Once the spring has returned to it's original starting position 25 times the timer is to be stopped and the time is recorded. Once two times are taken for every weight increment they are to be averaged together.