In this experiment, you will investigate the oscillation of a mass on a spring. You are provided with: - a 100 g mass hanger and two 100 g masses - an arrangement of 5 springs attached together end to end - a stopwatch - a stand, clamp, boss and G-clamp or weight - a piece of card with a hole at the centre. The supervisor has set up the apparatus as shown in Fig. 1.1. (a) Pull down on the mass so that the springs extend and the bottom of the mass touches the floor. Release…

Physics 5054/31 — October/November 2019

Cambridge O-Level · Practical Test · worked solutions for every part, with the mark scheme

questions

marks

120

minutes

Topics Observations and Measurements · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation · Experimental Contexts · Use of Techniques, Apparatus and Materials · Planning Experiments and Investigations

Q15MObservations and MeasurementsExperimental ContextsAnalysis, Conclusions and EvaluationFree sample

In this experiment, you will investigate the oscillation of a mass on a spring.

You are provided with:

a 100 g mass hanger and two 100 g masses
an arrangement of 5 springs attached together end to end
a stopwatch
a stand, clamp, boss and G-clamp or weight
a piece of card with a hole at the centre.

The supervisor has set up the apparatus as shown in Fig. 1.1.

Fig. 1.1

(a)

Pull down on the mass so that the springs extend and the bottom of the mass touches the floor.

Release the mass and observe it move up and then down again. One oscillation is the movement of the mass from its lowest position to its highest position and back to its lowest position.

(i)

Determine an accurate value of the time $t_1$ for 30 oscillations of the mass.

$t_1$ = ______

(ii)

Describe what happens to the amplitude of the oscillations during time $t_1$ .

(b)

Remove the mass hanger and masses from the spring.

Remove the two 100 g masses from the mass hanger.

Pass the hook of the mass hanger through the hole in the centre of the card. Slide the card down the stem of the mass hanger until it rests on the bottom.

Replace the two 100 g masses on top of the card, as shown in Fig. 1.2.

Fig. 1.2

Attach the mass hanger to the bottom of the spring.

(i)

Pull down on the mass so that the springs extend and the bottom of the mass touches the floor. Release the mass and start the stopwatch.

Determine the time $t_2$ for 30 oscillations of the mass and card.

$t_2$ = ______

(ii)

Compare your observations of the change in amplitude of the mass with and without the card.

(iii)

Suggest an explanation for the differences observed.

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3 more questions

Q2Use of Techniques, Apparatus and Materials · Observations and Measurements · Planning Experiments and Investigations · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation5M
Q3Experimental Contexts · Use of Techniques, Apparatus and Materials · Observations and Measurements · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation5M
Q4Observations and Measurements · Experimental Contexts · Use of Techniques, Apparatus and Materials · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation15M

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