AH Exp – Mechanics 10 – Experiments showing damped oscillations

Aim – To investigate the displacement / time graphs for a spring undergoing damped oscillations.

Instructions

The spring is suspended vertically from a stand.
The motion of the mass attached to the spring is Simple Harmonic Motion.
The displacement of the mass is displayed on the monitor.

▪ Pull the mass down and start it oscillating.
▪ Observe the displacement / time graph during the oscillation.

Note that this “virtual” spring does not lose energy and the amplitude of the oscillation remains constant.
By adding a stiff piece of card to the mass, the air resistance as the mass moves is increased and the oscillation becomes damped.

▪ Add the small piece of stiff card and start the oscillation.
▪ Compare the displacement / time graph with the previous graph.
▪ Repeat the experiment with the large piece of card.

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