Physics 2015 – Periodic Motion and SHO’s
Minilab 9
Periodic Motion and
Simple Harmonic
Oscillators (SHO)
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Page 1
Physics 2015 – Periodic Motion and SHO’s
Recognize and analyze periodic motion,
along with what factors affect it. Next, we
will study period, frequency, and amplitude
(characteristics of motion). Finally, we will
study a special motion called damped motion,
or when friction affects the system
drastically, and see how it relates to simple
harmonic motion.
PURPOSE
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Page 2
Physics 2015 – Periodic Motion and SHO’s
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Force sensor (on a stand)
Motion sensor (on the floor)
Two springs (one long, one
short)
You will attach the springs
to the force sensor, and
attach a mass at the end
EQUIPMENT
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Page 3
Physics 2015 – Periodic Motion and SHO’s
Activity 1, 2 – Properties of Periodic Motion
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These first two activities are intended to check
the following principles of periodic motion
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Position
Velocity
Acceleration
Force
Rely on the manual to figure out how these
affect motion! Just be careful NOT to let the
masses crash into the motion detectors!
PROCEDURE
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Page 4
Physics 2015 – Periodic Motion and SHO’s
Activity 3 – Simple Harmonic Motion
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In this activity, you will check to see how the
following principles affect a SHO:
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Amplitude
Spring Constant
Mass
Your procedure will be essentially the same as
that in Activity 1 and 2. Just follow the manual!
PROCEDURE
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Page 5
Physics 2015 – Periodic Motion and SHO’s
Activity 4 – Damped Periodic Motion
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Remember that a damped motion is one where
friction has a great affect on the way the object
moves.
You will analyze distance-time, velocity-time,
acceleration-time, and force-time graphs to see
how damping changes your oscillations. You will
also use acceleration-force and velocity- position
graphs to compare to some of your results in
Activity 1.
PROCEDURE
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Page 6