Physics Coursework

Plan
SHM
Method
1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram, ensuring to firmly clamp on
the stand to the desk using the G-clamp, securing both ruler and spring
side by side (with mass attached to the spring).
2. Insert one pin onto the ruler; it should be at the same level as the bottom
of the mass to indicate the equilibrium position. Ensure that the ruler and
the spring are closely parallel to each other.
3. Place a 100g mass onto the springs hook and pull the mass down by 3cm.
This is the initial amplitude and will be the same for all the masses and
repeat readings.
4. Start the stopclock and let go of the mass, immediately counting 20
oscillations of the spring. To do this, make sure you are parallel (looking
straight) to the spring and then watch the mass pass the pin twice for a
single oscillation. Do this carefully for another 10 times to get 20
oscillations of the spring.
5. Then, stop the stopclock and note down the time taken. Repeat this
procedure twice more and calculate an average.
6. Next, repeat the steps above using 200g, 300g, 400g, 500g, 600g and
700g masses. This will be the maximum mass because otherwise the
spring might exceed the limit of proportionality and so will not obey
Hookes Law. This may change the time it takes to complete one
oscillation.
7. Then, to calculate the time period divide the time by 20. This is the time
taken for 1 complete oscillation. Ensure all the values are recorded on a
suitably drawn table
8. Using the equation

Equipment:

The G-clamp will be used to make sure the stand is securely fastened to
the desk and so will not move during the investigation. This ensures that
the pin remains in the same position every time, so that the results are
more reliable.
The ruler will be used to show the equilibrium position with the pin
attached. This is important when measuring the time period. It will also be
used to know the length of the initial amplitude (3cm). When the mass is
pulled down by 3cm each time, we will be able to confirm this value using
the ruler which is precise to 0.0005m.
The stopclock will be used to measure the time it takes the spring to
oscillate 20 times varying the masses.
Masses (100g-700g) will be used to show the variation in the time period,
comparing how this changes with increasing mass.
The ruler should be close to the spring to make it easier to count the
number of oscillations. Given that the positioning of the pin determines

equilibrium position, the closer it is to the spring the easier it will be to

measure this. This ensures that the results are more accurate.

Controlling Variables:

The initial amplitude (A0) will remain the same each time (3cm). This is
the case so that damping doesnt affect the experimental results ensuring
that the experiment is as fair as possible.
The same spring will be used each time, to maintain the same springs
constant. Also, if we change the spring its characteristics (length/
material) may change slightly. So this helps to reduce any small error that
may be present when changing from one spring to another.

Justification
The time will be measured using a digital stopclock that is precise to +/- 0.005s.
The precision of the stopclock is less than the uncertainty of the manual operator
(human reaction time) which is likely to be +/- 0.5s. This means that it will be
suitable to use a stopclock due to the lower uncertainty and higher precision
value. Using the stopclock ensures that every time we repeat the measurements,
the results are always to +/- 0.005s. In addition, the time period will be
calculated by dividing the time by 20. We use 20 because this is the greatest
number of oscillations that the spring can perform without damping. This is
therefore a sufficient number of oscillations. Lastly, we must repeat the
procedure twice more. The number of repeats and number of oscillations will be
sufficient to make sure the experiment is as reliable as possible. We calculate a
mean to increase the accuracy of the investigation.
Uncertainty
The uncertainty taken for 1 time period in 10 seconds will be 0.5/10 = 0.05 x 100
= 5%. This is taken as the lowest possible value, so we use the uncertainty of the
manual operator (0.5s). This is a relatively low value compared.
Safety Hazard
The clamp and stand will be secured safely to the desk using a g-clamp. This
prevents it from falling on someones foot. There will also be a dedicated zone
around the table where we will not be able to stand, so that if the masses were
to fall they wont injure our feet. Goggles will be worn at all times to reduce
injury. If the spring snaps, the metal shards may injure our eyes. This helps to
reduce the safety risk.

Hookes Law
Method
1. Set up the apparatus as per the diagram above.
2. Measure the initial length (un stretched) natural length
3. Place a 100g mass onto the hook of the spring

4. Measure the displacement x the spring has stretched by looking head on

at the precise value on the ruler. Add this value to the un stretched length
(x+l)
5. Repeat this twice more and calculate an average displacement
6. Repeat the procedure above using 200g, 300g, 400g, 500g, 600g and
700g masses. This will be the maximum mass because otherwise the
spring might exceed the limit of proportionality and so will not obey
Hookes Law. Note down all the values onto a suitably drawn table
7. Using the equation f= k x, plot a graph of force (N) ..
Equipment
The G-clamp will be used to make sure the stand is securely fastened
to the desk and so will not move during the investigation.
The ruler will be used to measure the displacement and the natural
length of the spring. It will be placed parallel and as close as possible
to the spring so that the value measured can be recorded easily. It is
also important to look head - on to the ruler, so that the value
measured can be seen clearly. This reduces parallax errors. This also
increases the accuracy of this experiment, as we will be able to see the
real value more clearly.

Control variable

We will make sure the spring doesnt exceed the limit of proportionality by
limiting the maximum mass it can hold (700g). This means that it will
continue to obey Hookes Law, ensuring the spring has the same natural
length throughout the investigation.
The same spring will be used each time, to maintain the same springs
constant. Also, if we change the spring its characteristics (length/
material) may change slightly. So this helps to reduce any small error that
may be present when changing from one spring to another.

Justification
The displacement will be measured using a metre ruler which has a precision of
+/- 0.0005m. This is half the value of the smallest scale division. The precision of
the ruler is less than that of an inaccurate ruler which is likely to be +/- 0.01m.
This makes our ruler a more suitable instrument to use. This means that there
will likely be a low % uncertainty. The displacement will be repeated 3 times to
make the investigation more reliable. A mean will also be calculated to increase
the accuracy of the experiment.
Uncertainty

In both experiments, the data will be used to find the value for K (springs
constant) with units N per M. we want to see how closely the K values are to
each other after having completed both SHM and Hookes Law experiments. We
do this to demonstrate that there should be little change in the springs constant

as this is the factor that determines whether the springs elasticity has changed
and therefore whether it has exceeded the elastic limit. We will do this by looking
at equations and using the graph to find the gradient which will help to
determine the springs constant (K).
Sources of uncertainty or systematic error
During the simple harmonic motion experiment, the mass tends to hit the
ruler when they are too close to each other. This might cause premature
damping. To avoid this, the ruler will be positioned approximately 3 or 4
cm back or forward relative to the spring, still maintaining a parallel
position.
The uncertainty in the measurement of an oscillation comes from the
range of my repeated readings. It is caused by my judgement of each
oscillation, when the mass passes the pin. Rather than looking head on to
the ruler, look sideways. This gives the best position for judging the mass
when passing the pin.
Analysis