Logger Pro Lab

Application Experiment – Spring Constant

Objective: To find the spring constant, k, of the spring provided.

Equipment: Computer with LoggerPro, LabPro, motion detector, spring apparatus, weights.

Task: Using the provided equipment, you must devise a way of finding the spring constant of our spring! Think about what we have learned about simple harmonic motion and springs to devise a way to…

• Measure some aspect of the oscillating spring’s motion.
• Use a mathematical method to find the spring constant from this measurement.
• Test this with an independent experiment. This experiment will not be performed and may include any equipment we have used so far. It just needs to be designed, not performed.

Grading: Remember to include all parts of the scientific method which pertain to an application experiment in your report. This is what you will be graded on…

1. Design an experiment and state the mathematical method you will be using explicitly – 4 points
2. Perform the experiment and record the data in a meaningful and concise way – 4 points
3. Take assumptions into account and analyze how these assumptions may affect the experiment – 3 points
4. Include uncertainties, sources of uncertainty, and how to minimize uncertainty – 4 points
5. Explore shortcomings of the experiment – 3 points
6. Analyze the data with your mathematical model correctly in order to find a value for the spring constant of the spring – 4 points
7. Reflect and analyze whether or not this outcome is reasonable – 4 points
8. Design a second independent method which would test for the spring constant – 4 points

Total: 30 points

Here is a link to help teachers administer the lab.