University of Santo Tomas

Faculty of Engineering
Engineering Physics Laboratories
Second Term, AY 2023 – 2024

ENG208: Physics for Engineers Laboratory

EXPERIMENT 4

HARMONIC OSCILLATION

I. Objectives:

1. To observe the oscillations of a mass system along an inclined plane.

2. To find the relationship between displacement and force applied to a spring.
3. To measure the period of oscillations on a mass system.

II. Discussion:

Harmonic oscillations refer to repetitive back-and-forth movements around a central or

equilibrium position. These oscillations follow a sinusoidal pattern, commonly sinusoidal
functions.

In physics, harmonic oscillators are systems that exhibit simple harmonic motion (SHM), where
the force acting on the system is directly proportional to its displacement from equilibrium and
is directed toward the equilibrium position.

According to Hooke’s Law, the force (F) required to extend or compress a spring by a distance
(x) from its equilibrium or rest position is directly proportional to that distance. The
proportionality constant is called k (spring constant). It is governed by the equation:

𝐹 = 𝑘𝑥

The period of oscillation in simple harmonic motion (SHM) is defined as the time it takes to
complete one cycle of oscillation. SHM can be observed in various systems such as mass-spring-
damper system, a simple pendulum, or even in basic electrical circuit containing an LC (inductor-
capacitor) combination. In this experiment, we will focus on investigating SHM in a mass-
spring-damper system.

Using a mass attached to a spring, the theoretical period is characterized by the equation:

𝑚
𝑇 = 2𝜋(
𝑘

where m is the mass of the cart and 𝑘 is the spring constant. In order to experimentally find the
spring constant, a relationship between force and displacement is plotted and the slope will give
us the spring constant.
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ENG208: Physics for Engineers Laboratory

To find the period experimentally, the angle of the incline is adjusted and period is measured
using a timer. The time is measured for 3 oscillations, the average is calculated then it is divided
by 3 which in turn result to an experimental period.

Figure 4.1 Experimental Setup of Harmonic Oscillator

Materials:

PASCar
Dynamic Track
Track End Stop
Timer
Spring
Mass and Hanger Set
Mass Balance

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 Engineering Physics Laboratories
ENG208: Physics for Engineers Laboratory

III. Experimental Procedures:

Part A. Finding the Spring Constant and Theoretical Period

1. Measure the mass of the cart and record it in Table 4.1.

2. Install an end stop in the provided dynamic track.
3. Set the cart and attach a spring to one end and pin the other side of the spring to the end
stop of the track.
4. Set the inclination of your track where the spring is attached.
5. As the track is raised, the spring will stretch. Make sure that the inclination is just enough
that the spring is not stretched by more than 50 cm.
6. Use a pivot clamp and support the stand to hold the track at this angle.
7. Measure this angle and record it in Table 4.1.
8. Let the cart hang freely and record its equilibrium position.
9. Add a mass to the cart and record its new resting position. Note that the displacement
covered is the difference between initial position and new resting position.
10. Repeat this process using 5 different masses and record your findings. Note that you must
be careful not to overstretch the spring as it may lead to spring failure.

Table 4.1 Measurements to find Theoretical Period

Spring Constant
Mass of the Cart
Original Rest Position
Angle

Added Mass New Position Displacement Force = kx

Covered

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 Engineering Physics Laboratories
ENG208: Physics for Engineers Laboratory

Part B. Finding the Experimental Period

11. Remove all mass from the cart.

12. Displace the cart from equilibrium by a specific displacement and let it go. Time 3
oscillations and record the data in Table 4.2
13. Repeat this for 5 trials using the same displacement.
14. Change the angle of the incline and repeat Steps 12 and 13 for a total of 3 angles.

Table 4.2 Measurements for Experimental Period

Angle T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 TAVE Period

Part C. Calculating the Force and Theoretical Period

15. Using the data in Table 4.1, calculate the force caused by the mass of the cart. The govering
equation is given as 𝐹 = 𝑚𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜃) where 𝜃 is the angle of the incline.
16. Plot the relationship between force and displacement covered.
17. Draw a best-fit line through the data points shown in Table 4.1. The slope of the generated
line will be the effective spring constant.

𝑘(𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑡) = _____________________________

18. Using the mass of the cart and the given spring constant. Calculate the theoretical period
of oscillation.

𝑇(𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜) = ___________________________

Part D. Calculating the Experimental Period

1. Using the data in Table 4.2. Get the average time of 5 trials
2. The experimental period is found by dividing the average time by 3.
3. Compare the experimental and theoretical periods of oscillation.

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ENG208: Physics for Engineers Laboratory

IV. Observations And Analysis:

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V. Conclusion:
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QUESTIONS:

1. Does the period vary with changing angle of inclination?

2. How do the experimental values compare with the theoretical values?
3. Does the equilibrium position change when the angle is changed?
4. What would be the period when the angle is 90o?

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