Objective

The objective of this lab was to be study simple harmonic motion (SHM) from a springmass system. All the elements of this motion will be studied to understand in real life, and
also in a controlled environment to show how the simple harmonic motion works. Every
aspect like position as a function of time, velocity, angular frequency and all the
characteristics of this model will be analyzed, giving a clear idea on how every aspect
modifies and plays a key role in this oscillatory motion. In addition, having a clear
understanding of this will help understand and relate the properties to different types of
SHM systems.
After all the observations are done a connection between force, mass and acceleration
will be noticeable involving Newtons second law with an oscillatory system. It will also
be possible to calculate the total energy in the system in form of potential and kinetic
energy. In conclusion, visualizing and connecting the theory learned in class with real life
observations, is critical to understand in-depth physical properties and their applications.
Background and Theory
Before getting into more complex analysis of SHM the concept of simple harmonic
motion will be defined.
A simple harmonic motion is an oscillatory motion in this case of a spring mass system,
which has an equilibrium position at x=0. It oscillates back and forth with an Amplitude
= A, a phase difference and its position as a function of time is described
by the following equation:
x(t) = A sin(2ft+)
Frequency

f=
t = Time

Hookes law plays a significant role in the system. It states that the
system will have a restoring force F directly proportional to the
stretched distance of the spring.
Hookes law is defined by this simple formula
F = -k . y
k = Spring constant in (N/m)
y = Distance from eq.
position.
This equation is usually given in function of x but in this case is
function of y for the height.

Kinetic Energy;
KE = m v 2

M = mass of the object

V = velocity

Potential elastic energy:

PE =

1
k y2
2
k = spring constant in N/m
y = compression or extension of the spring
Procedure

1. A spring was attached to a horizontal rod that was connected to

a vertical rod. A mass of 200 g was attached to the spring.
2. The motion detector from Vernier pro was placed 75 cm
underneath the spring-mass system.
3. The correct file was opened in the Vernier pro software. A trial
was performed lifting the mass and carefully releasing to see if
the sensor was getting signal.
4. The equilibrium position of the 200g mass was measured in the
software after letting it hang free at rest. The data ( y o was
recorded in the tables.
5. The mass was lifted 5 cm and released. The mass oscillated along a vertical line.
All the data was collected and the average amplitude (Aavg) was recorded.
6. The period (T), frequency (f) were obtained also from the
software, selecting the area between two peaks of the wave.
7. The value for the initial phase was obtained and recorded for
further calculations.
8. Steps 5-7 were repeated with larger amplitudes than the first
run.
9. The mass was changed to 300g and steps 5-7 were repeated
using and amplitude of 5cm. All the values were recorded in the
table for further calculations and analysis.
Part 1-b
1. A piece of hard paper was attached at the bottom of the mass.
An amplitude of 5 to 10 cm was used for this trial and steps 5-7
were repeated.

2. In logger pro the amount of time for the trial was extended to
120 seconds. In this case to appreciate more how the damping
effect makes the movement come to a stop.
3. All the required values were recorded in the tables for further
calculations.