Oscillations of a Cantilever

Apparatus:

Metre rule, G-clamp, stop watch, set of masses (4 x 100g), sellotape and scissors.

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Use the apparatus, set up as shown in the diagram. Start with a lengthof 0.900m (90.0cm).

2. Use a stop-watch to measure the time taken for 10 complete oscillations. However, if the total time is less than 10 seconds you should use more than 10 oscillations.

Repeat twice more to obtain two more values.

3. Use your readings to find the average time taken,for one oscillation.

4. Repeat the above for five more different values of

5. Tabulate your results and include two extra columns showing the logarithms of bothand

You should label these columns asand(in cm).

Note it does not matter which 'log' button you use ('ln' or 'lg') as long as you always use the same one. Do not worry if some of the log values are negative.

6. Plot a graph ofagainstIt should be a straight line.

7. Measure the gradient, m of your graph.

8. The period of a cantilever is expected to be given by an equation of form

wherethat depends on the other physical properties of the set up (e.g. the mass of the ruler). The values ofand the powercan be found by the method you have used (see full theory below). Read the theory below and state what value you have found for

Theory:

Taking logs on both sides of the equation yields:

This has the form ofwhere the gradientand the intercept

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