Driven Mass on a Spring, 3A60.39

Topic and Concept:

• Oscillations, [:Oscillations#DrivenRes: 3A60. Driven Mechanical Resonance]

Location:

• Cabinet: [:MechanicsCabinet:Mechanic (ME)]

• Bay: [:MechanicsCabinetBayA1:(A1)]

• Shelf: #1,2,3..

attachment:DrivenMassSpring18-400.jpg

Abstract:

A function generator drives a spring with a suspended mass. The frequency is adjusted until resonance is reached.

Important Setup Notes:

• Demonstration may require practice.

Setup and Procedure:

1. Vertically mount 3/4" rod to lecture bench using blue table clamp.
2. Horizontally mount 1/4" rod to the vertical rod using a right angle clamp.
3. Mount the Pasco driver to the 1/4" rod so that the driving component will move in a vertical direction.
4. Place the function generator on the table near the rod, and plug it in.
5. Connect the driver to the function generator with the two wires. Positive to positive. Ground to ground.
6. Hang the spring from the driver.
7. Hang the mass from the spring.
8. When ready, turn on the function generator by pressing the "On" button.
9. The mass will begin to oscillate in a vertical direction. Adjust the frequency of oscillation by changing the driving frequency set on the function generator so that the system approaches resonance (some practice beforehand is recommended).

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

• N/A

Discussion:

Discuss the physics behind the demonstration, explaining some of the various steps of the demonstration when appropriate.

Videos:

• [https://www.youtube.com/user/LectureDemostrations/videos?view=1 Lecture Demonstration's Youtube Channel]

References:

• [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonic_oscillator Wikipedia - Harmonic Oscillator]

• [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resonance Wikipedia - Resonance]

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