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Questions and Answers
In the experiment, what are the dependent and independent variables you would identify to investigate the relationship between mass and the period of a bouncing spring?
In the experiment, what are the dependent and independent variables you would identify to investigate the relationship between mass and the period of a bouncing spring?
The independent variable is the mass attached to the spring, while the dependent variable is the period of the bounce.
For the bouncing mass experiment, suggest one variable that must be controlled and explain why it is important to control it.
For the bouncing mass experiment, suggest one variable that must be controlled and explain why it is important to control it.
The amplitude of the bounce should be controlled because a larger amplitude may introduce non-linear effects in the spring's behavior, affecting the consistency of the period measurements.
Describe a method to maximize the accuracy of measuring the period of one bounce and explain why this method improves accuracy.
Describe a method to maximize the accuracy of measuring the period of one bounce and explain why this method improves accuracy.
Measure the time for multiple bounces (e.g., 10 or 20) and then divide by the number of bounces. This reduces the impact of reaction time error in starting and stopping the stopwatch for a single bounce.
The experiment involves the equation $m = \frac{k}{4\pi^2}T^{-2}$. If the spring constant ($\bf{k}$) is 30 N/m, how does the period ($\bf{T}$) change when the mass ($\bf{m}$) is quadrupled?
The experiment involves the equation $m = \frac{k}{4\pi^2}T^{-2}$. If the spring constant ($\bf{k}$) is 30 N/m, how does the period ($\bf{T}$) change when the mass ($\bf{m}$) is quadrupled?
In the context of this experiment, what does it mean to say that the period of the bounce does not change as the amplitude of the bounces changes?
In the context of this experiment, what does it mean to say that the period of the bounce does not change as the amplitude of the bounces changes?
Explain how you would process your data to create a straight-line graph from the bouncing mass experiment data and what the slope of this graph would represent.
Explain how you would process your data to create a straight-line graph from the bouncing mass experiment data and what the slope of this graph would represent.
If your experimental results deviate significantly from the physics theory ($m = \frac{k}{4\pi^2}T^{-2}$), what could be a possible reason for this discrepancy, and how would this affect the validity of your conclusion?
If your experimental results deviate significantly from the physics theory ($m = \frac{k}{4\pi^2}T^{-2}$), what could be a possible reason for this discrepancy, and how would this affect the validity of your conclusion?
During the experiment, you notice that the clamp stand is wobbling slightly. Discuss how this might affect your results and what steps you could take to minimize this effect.
During the experiment, you notice that the clamp stand is wobbling slightly. Discuss how this might affect your results and what steps you could take to minimize this effect.
What is a limitation in the range of values chosen for the independent variable (mass), and how does this limitation affect the ability to find the relationship between mass and the period of an object bouncing on a spring?
What is a limitation in the range of values chosen for the independent variable (mass), and how does this limitation affect the ability to find the relationship between mass and the period of an object bouncing on a spring?
Explain how knowledge of the spring constant can be used to determine the mass of an unknown object using the set up and how this relates to the formula $m = \frac{k}{4\pi^2}T^{-2}$.
Explain how knowledge of the spring constant can be used to determine the mass of an unknown object using the set up and how this relates to the formula $m = \frac{k}{4\pi^2}T^{-2}$.
Flashcards
Period of a bounce
Period of a bounce
The time it takes for one complete bounce (up and down) of an object on a spring.
Controlled Variables
Controlled Variables
Variables that are kept constant during an experiment to ensure a fair test.
Spring Constant (k)
Spring Constant (k)
A measure of the spring's stiffness; relates force to the amount of stretch or compression.
Mass-Period Relationship
Mass-Period Relationship
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Bouncing Mass Experiment
Bouncing Mass Experiment
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Study Notes
- Physics 2.1 focuses on conducting a practical physics investigation.
- The investigation should lead to a non-linear mathematical relationship.
- This standard is worth 4 credits.
- Achievement requires carrying out a practical physics investigation that leads to a non-linear mathematical relationship.
- Achievement with Merit requires carrying out an in-depth practical physics investigation that leads to a non-linear mathematical relationship.
- Achievement with Excellence requires carrying out a comprehensive practical physics investigation that leads to a non-linear mathematical relationship.
Bouncing Mass Experiment
- The aim of the experiment is to find the relationship between the mass and period of an object bouncing on the end of a spring.
- For a mass (m) bouncing smoothly on a spring, the period (T) is defined by the formula: m = (k/4π²) * T²
- k represents the spring constant of the spring.
- A standard spring constant is 30 N/m.
Equipment
- The following equipment is needed to perform the experiment: spring, masses, stopwatch, retort stand, clamp arm and boss head, electronic balance.
Task and Method
- Set up the equipment ensuring the clamp stand and clamp arm are fixed to prevent wobble.
- Attach the spring to the clamp arm.
- Note that the period of a bounce is the time taken for one complete (up and down) bounce.
- Timing multiple bounces is an option, as amplitude changes do not affect the period.
- Identify the dependent and independent variables.
- Identify any variables that must be controlled.
- Identify how accuracy of gathered data was maximized.
- Raw measurements should be recorded in an appropriately headed table, using appropriate units and significant figures. Sufficient measurements need to be collected to allow for a graph to be drawn that determines the required relationship.
Data Analysis
- Plot a graph to find the relationship between period (T) and mass (m).
- A curve of best fit should be added as the raw data will not produce a straight-line graph.
- Determine the type of relationship the graph suggests.
- Process the data to allow for a straight-line graph to be plotted.
Conclusion
- Use information from the straight-line graph to state the mathematical relationship between mass (m) and period (T).
Discussion
- Discussion statements should attempt to validate the conclusion.
- Relate the findings of the investigation to stated physics theory and explain any unexpected results.
- Describe how controlled variables were managed and why they needed to be controlled.
- Describe accuracy improving techniques and explain why they were needed.
- Describe any difficulties encountered when making measurements, and how these difficulties were overcome.
- Provide a reason why there was a limit to the range of values chosen for the independent variable.
- The aim of the experiment is to find the relationship between the mass and period of an object bouncing on the end of a spring.
- A hypothesis is required.
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