One can use either or both of the motion and force to measure oscillation period

Question

One can use either or both of the motion and force to measure oscillation period, which one do you prefer? Why do you prefer it? How much will oscillation amplitude affect the oscillation period? When you try the spring with different masses, does calculation give you vastly or slightly different k values? If they are vastly different, how will you cope with it? The figure to the right shows a position vs time measurement. Your data curve may look similar. You can measure the peak-to- peak time difference to determine the period; or to measure the time difference between several peaks, and calculate the average period. Do the two different methods make a difference? Which method do you prefer? 1. 2. 3. 4.

Explanation / Answer

I will prefer finding the period using position as the force also directly proportional to the position.

F = -kx

So for both we need to measure the position continuously so I prefer the direct measurement.

b) Amplitude of the oscillations doesn't affect the period, however for simple harmonic motion, it should be small.

c) This may be due to the measurement uncertainity in measuring time period. It may also due to the presence of large amplitude oscillations which is not considered as simple harmonic motion.

d) It is always better to consider the average time period as it kills the errors.

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