Experiment Description

Experiment

Experiment DL07    Simple Harmonic and Forced Oscillations

Objectives
  • Study the oscillatory motion of a mass-spring system by using a motion sensor
  • Study the motion of an oscillator being forced to oscillate
  • Investigate the variation in amplitude as the driving frequency is changed
  • Investigate the motion of an oscillator at resonance
Description
In this activity, you will use a Power Amplifier to drive a vibration generator which is coupled to a mass-spring system via a metre rule. You will study the forced oscillation of the mass-spring system by using a Motion Sensor. Graphs showing the motions of natural frequency, driving frequency and the resultant forced oscillation would be plotted by the computer.

Apparatus
Science Workshop 700/750 Interface [1]
Motion Sensor [1]
Power Amplifier [1]
metre rule [1]
copper wire (20 cm) [2]
vibration generator [1]
stand-and-clamp [1]
weak spring [1]
slotted mass with hanger (refer to manual) [1 set]
paper card [1]
Experiment