SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

In this experiment you will investigate the relationship between the number of paperclips, n, in
a chain of paperclips and its period of oscillation, T.

METHOD:

1) Firmly clamp the cork using the boss, clamp and stand. Attach a chain of n paper clips to
the hook as shown in the figure above with an initial value of n = 25.
2) Displace the chain from its equilibrium position by moving the bottom clip and keeping
the chain taut.
3) Release the chain and when it oscillates smoothly, measure and record the time for 10
oscillations t1. (This can be done twice to find an average time,𝑡𝑎𝑣𝑔 ).
4) Determine and record the period of oscillation, T, in Table 4.
5) Change the value of n (5 ≤ n ≤ 25) and repeat the procedure until six sets of values have
been obtained.
6) Include values of 𝑙𝑔 𝑇 and 𝑙𝑔 𝑛 in the Table 4.

RESULTS: TABLE 4 SHOWING THE MEASURED AND CALCULATED VALUES OBTAIN FROM
THIS EXPERIMENT

GRAPH: Plot a graph of 𝑙𝑔 𝑇 versus 𝑙𝑔 𝑛

TREATMENT OF RESULTS:

1) It is suggested that the quantities T and n are related by a simple power law of the form
T = pnq
where p and q are constants.

2) Take the log of both sides of T = pnq

3) Express it in the form Y = mX + C in accordance with your graph.
4) Hence, use the gradient and Y-intercept of your graph to solve for p and q.