Determining the spring constant through Simple Harmonic Motion

Abstract

A1) Abstract:
• A clearly stated aim for the practical (2),
• how it was achieved (2)
• what the final result was (2)

Introduction

I1) Description of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM):
• definition (accept citation) (2)
• general formula for acceleration, with an explanation of variables and signs (3)
• A list of assumptions that underline the formula(2)

I2) Spring oscillations:
• Derivation of the formula for the period T, through the application of Hooke’s Law and F=ma (4)
• Re-arrange formula in the form y=mx+c, explaining all variables(2)
• Explanation of graph: slope and intercept (2)

Method

M1) Diagram of the experimental setup:
• Caption (1)
• correct labelling (2)
• all elements present (3)
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M2) An original account of the procedure:
• written as a paragraph (1)
• in the 3rd person and past tense (2)
• all measurements clearly explained (2)
• how k was obtained from data (2)

Results

R1) A graph:
• Title (1)
• axes labels (2)
• units (2)
• error bars (2)
• correctly plotted (y/x variable, units) (2)
• Line of best fit (1)
• R2 and equation (2)
• Correctly drawn minimum and maximum gradients (2).

R2) Numerical results:
• correctness of result based on data (2)
• spring constant value quoted (1)
• error and unit included (2)
• correctly rounded (1)

Discussion

D1) Discussion of:
• the graph (intercept, relationship between F and x) (2).
• linearity of graph (general and R2) (2).
• anomalous features noted and explained (2)
• agreement with the theory:
o relationship (1)
o assumptions used (1)
o final value of k (%diff and comment) (2)

D2) Errors – discussion of:
• error on the final value of k (2)
• error bars (origin and correctness) (2)
• experimental errors (4).
• improvements to the method in order to gain a more accurate/precise result (4).
• Relevant extension (1)

Conclusion

C1) A summary of what was found:
• was the aim met? (1)
• summary of results – numerical (1)
• summary of discussion (1)

 

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