Hang a mass from a spring or from a rubber band. Use a stopwatch to time the mass as it oscillates up and down. Measure the time for just one oscillation, the time for 10 oscillations and the time for 20 oscillations. Repeat each reading several times. Use your readings to find the time for one complete oscillation and the uncertainty in each time. Draw up a table to show the problems of such measurements and how to reduce them.

Transcribed Image Text:

Problem Improvement "Taking readings for just two lengths was not enough.' 'Use more than two lengths and plot a graph of the average time squared against the length of the string.' 'It was difficult to judge the end of the swing.' 'Use a fiducial mark at the centre of the oscillation as the position to start and stop the stopwatch.' 'Use an electronic timer placed at the centre of the oscillation to measure the time.' 'Make a video of the oscillation with a timer in the background and play it back frame by frame.' The oscillations died away too 'Use a heavier mass which swings longer.' quickly.' "The times were too small to 'Use longer strings.' measure accurately, as my reaction time was a significant "Time 20 rather than 10 oscillations.' fraction of the total time.' 'It was difficult to measure the 'Use a longer string so any errors are less important.' length to the centre of gravity | 'Measure the length to the top of the weight and use a micrometer to of the weight accurately.' measure the diameter of the bob and add on half the diameter to the length of the string.'