Info

A Pasco motion sensor is used to record the motion of a mass oscillating on a spring or a pendulum. The output of the motion sensor is viewed in graphs of displacement, velocity and acceleration versus time on the computer; the image on the computer monitor can be projected onto a screen. The demonstration clearly shows the phase relationships between the position, velocity and acceleration and the effects of damping, if the oscillation is allowed to run for a minute or so.

Setup Instructions

SPRING:

1. Hang the spring on the end of the rod and ensure it is secured, perhaps with a few small pieces of duct tape; a 500g mass with a fairly stiff spring seems to work the best. You may need to tape a small index card to the bottom of the mass to act as a target for the motion sensor.

2. Place the motion sensor facing upwards under the spring and make sure the motion sensor range of motion is set on “Near.”

3. Plug the motion sensor into the Pasco interface, start the “Science Workshop” program, and input the necessary information to get graphs of position, velocity and acceleration for a motion sensor probe.

4. Once you are ready to record data, start the oscillation of the spring. Then begin to record.

PENDULUM:

1. Attach the motion sensor to a stand at the same height as the bob on the pendulum.

2. Plug the motion sensor into the Pasco interface, start the “Science Workshop” program, and input the necessary information to get the graphs of the position, velocity and acceleration for a motion sensor probe.

3. Once you are ready to record data, start the pendulum swinging with a very small amplitude. Then begin to record.

Parts List

Pasco Interface in L. Misc

Laptop by desk

Pasco Motion Detector in L. Misc

Spring and Stand Apparatus in C. Oscillations, 1B

Assortment of Springs C. Oscillations, 1B

Mass in A. Mechanics, 1B

Pendulum in A. Mechanics, 1B

Relevant Simulation

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Other Information

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Real-Life Examples

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More Advanced Reading

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