Understanding SHM: Lab Report Help for Mass Spring System

[TN17]

Lab report help
In our lab, we are trying to verify the properties of SHM using a mass spring system. (Verify that amplitude and angle do not matter). We based it on T = 2pi*sqrt(m/k)

One system is the vertical one and the other is on an inclined plane.

We graphed mg vs. x and T² vs m and the slopes give us "k" and "4pi²/k

The only reason we used graphs was because we couldn't pull down the same spring and mass by the same amount for both the inclined and vertical systems. (Pulling the spring down even more on the vertical system would cause the spring is jerk).

We're not sure how we can use the slopes to prove that amp and orientation of the spring don't affect it's period, though.

 

[anathema]

Thank you for sharing your lab experiment with us. It sounds like you have conducted a thorough investigation into the properties of SHM using a mass spring system. I understand your confusion about how to use the slopes of your graphs to prove that amplitude and orientation do not affect the period of the spring.

Firstly, I would like to commend you on your use of graphs to determine the spring constant (k) and the value of 4pi^2/k. This is a valid and accurate method to calculate these values. However, to prove that amplitude and orientation do not affect the period, you will need to conduct further experiments and analyze the data.

One way to do this would be to vary the amplitude of the oscillations and measure the corresponding periods for both the vertical and inclined systems. If the periods remain the same, regardless of the amplitude, then this would support your hypothesis that amplitude does not affect the period of the spring.

Similarly, you could also vary the orientation of the spring (vertical vs inclined) and measure the corresponding periods. If the periods remain the same, then this would support your hypothesis that orientation does not affect the period.

In addition to conducting further experiments, it may also be helpful to review the equations of SHM and analyze how amplitude and orientation affect these equations. This can provide a theoretical understanding of why these factors do not affect the period of the spring.

I hope this helps guide you in your analysis and further experimentation. Best of luck with your lab report. Keep up the good work in exploring the properties of SHM.