Investigating factors which affect the period of an oscillating spring

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Investigating factors which affect the period of an oscillating spring

Introduction

I have decided to investigate factors, which affect the period of an oscillating spring. Possible factors, which I could investigate, are as follows:

* Mass of weight hung on spring

* Distance spring is pulled down

* Spring used

The factor that I have chosen to investigate is the effect of hanging different masses on a spring will have on the period of one complete oscillation of that spring.

Prediction

I predict that as the mass hung on the spring is increased the period of one complete oscillation will also increase. The formula for kinetic energy is KE=1/2mv2 for all masses hung on the spring the energy within the spring should always remain the same. So according to the formula KE=1/2mv2

As mass increases on the spring there will be a decrease in velocity.

Variables

Independent variable

Dependant variable

Control

Mass hung on spring

The period of one

Spring used

Complete oscillation

Distance spring pulled down

The ruler used

Safety

I will wear safety goggles in case the spring brakes also I will make sure I don't pull the spring down to much with the heavier masses because the spring might become unhooked and weight would fall all over the place.
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Fair test

I will keep this experiment fair by using the same spring each time to ensure the constant "k" stays the same. I will be pulling the spring down by the same amount each time and I will be using the same ruler to take all measurements.

Range and Repeats

I will be taking 10 readings ranging from 100g to 1000g I intend to repeat the experiment twice carrying it out 3 times in all. This way I can obtain more accurate and reliable results.

Farid Din 11LO

Apparatus

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