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Introduction to the study of Mechanical Oscillations

1. Make a Simple Pendulum as shown below.

One oscillation is, for example, from A to B and back to A. In a) to d) below, r is the initial amplitude of the oscillation; this means the initial displacement of the "bob" from its equilibrium position.
Find the time period (the time for one oscillation) of the pendulum under the following conditions

Calculate the ratio T2/T1.
How does the time period depend on i) ii) m iii) r ?
2.

Measure the time period of a Mass/Spring Oscillator as shown below.

Try with masses of m and 2m and initial amplitudes of about 0·5 and 1cm.

Try first with a "weak" spring then with a stronger spring. How does the time period depend on i) m ii) r iii) the strength of the spring ?

 

© David Hoult 2008