Since this is a sample experiment, the Pre-Lab Checklist has been filledin for you (in italics) as an example. You will be asked to complete thechecklist yourself in future experiments.
1. In your own words, describe the situation to be studied.
Oscillating ring pendulums will be studied to determine whether or notthere is a relationship between the diameter of the ring and the period of theoscillations. If there is a relationship, the type of relationship can bedetermined by plotting several graphs of T versus function(d). The graph that shows a straight line is the one that has the correct functionalrelationship.
2. List and define all of the parameters to be measured directly.
3. List any quantities that will be calculated.
4. List any graphs that will be created during the analysis of thisexperiment.
1. In this experiment, you will be determining a mathematical relationshipfrom graphs relating physically observed parameters. It is important to be ascareful as possible in measuring, so that the relationship isnot lost in the uncertainty of your measurements.
2. One common mistake when measuring the time for the oscillations is tostart the clock on the count of 1. The count of 1 should actually occur at theend of the first oscillation, so the clock starts at the count of 0. Ifyou are unsure about your count, repeat the twenty swings for that ring. Youwill have plenty of time to take data, so be as careful aspossible in your measurements.
3. The angle of the oscillations is not part of the comparisson being madein this experiment. It is therefore necessary to keep the starting angle thesame for all of the rings. An angle of approximately ten degrees should besufficient.
1. Your results should include a description of each of the three graphs andan indication of which graph shows the correct mathematical relationshipbetween the period and the diameter.
2. Discuss the shapes of the three graphs. Explain how you determined whichgraph represented the correct functional relationship between the period andthe diameter.
3. Discuss any experimental error in your measurements and explain what youdid to limit those errors.
| Section | Points |
|---|---|
| Purpose | 1 |
| Results | 3 |
| Calculations | 4 |
| Graphs | 4 |
| Analysis | 8 |