This lab measures the properties of an oscillating mass.� Students will measure the effective spring constant of the two springs acting together on the mass.� They will later relate this to the measured period of motion.� The slide which will be available on transparency steps through the calculation of the equation of motion for the system and quotes the solution.� �They are also asked to relate the period of motion to the amplitude, to the mass, and the amplitude of motion to the maximum velocity.� Typically this is a lab that students can get very good agreement between their measured data and theoretical predictions.�
As this is the last lab of the semester consider this a good opportunity to work on tying up any administrative loose ends, such as administering student evaluations, collecting the name of each students lecturer instructor and resolving missing lab reports.