Finding the Relationship Between Mass and Period for an Inertial Balance
In this experiment, we analyzed how changing the mass placed on the inertial balances alters the period of oscillations.
Introduction: In this lab, we attempted to to find the relationship between mass and period. We did this by placing different masses on an inertial balance and measuring the period. After determining the relationship between mass and period through graphing the data and finding the slope and y-intercept, objects with unknown masses were placed on the inertial balance. The mass of the objects were found by adjusting the mass on excel until we found a correlation coefficient of around 0.997 to 0.9999.
Procedure: An inertial balance was clamped down on a desk and a motion sensor was placed on stand. Different masses were placed on the balance at different times. The period for each mass was then determined though the photogate program. The mass of the tray was unknown. Once the period was determined, all of the data was placed in excel and graphed.
Data:
Graphs of Varying values of Mtray:
A=-5.5.029
n=0.6695
A=-5.079
n=0.689
A=-5.651
n=0.749
Analysis:
Conclusion:
After conducting this lab, it is evident that the adding mass to an object causes the period to increase. Even when conducting the experiment for the two unknown masses of the objects, the period increased as the object placed on the inertial balances was heavier. The values of A varied from -5.029 to -5.651. The values of n had a range of .6695 to .749. The varying values are due to unpropagated uncertainty. However, during the lab there are several factors that could alter our results For example, if the marker on the inertial balance was too thick, then the period detected by the motion detector would be incorrect. Also, having incorrect significant figures when calculating the mass values could cause there to be an error.
