The purpose of this lab is to collect motion detector and force sensor data of an oscillating system. In this lab the system will consist of a low friction cart attached to a horizontal spring.

Materials Needed

• CBL and TI calculator or MBL interface with appropriate software
• Ultrasonic Motion Detector
• Force Sensor
• Spring
• Low friction cart

Procedure

1. Set up your oscillating system.Attach a force sensor to the frictionless cart and set up the motion detector to capture the cart’s motion.

2. Prepare your data collection software with appropriate conditions. Displace the cart and release. Capture the motion of the cart with the sensors.

Analysis

1. In the graph below, sketch the position versus time graph for the cart.

   

2. Describe the cart’s position (use specific details from the graph).

    

    

    

    

3. Using the definitions and the graph of position versus time, find numerical values for the following terms:
   • Period:

      

      

   • Amplitude:

      

      

   • Frequency:

      

      

4. Write a set of instructions for how you found answers to question 3. Write these instructions in terms that a novice could understand and perform.
   • Period:

      

      

   • Amplitude:

      

      

   • Frequency:

      

5. In the graph below, sketch the velocity versus time graph for the cart.

   

6. Describe the cart’s velocity (use specific details from the graph).

    

    

    

    

    

7. In the graph below, sketch the force versus time graph for the cart

   

8. Describe the force the spring exerts on the force (use specific details from the graph).

    

    

    

    

    

9. What do the position, velocity and force graphs have in common? How are they different?

    

    

    

    

    

Extension

   Add the friction pad attachment to your cart and collect motion data. Summarize your results below.