Iona Prep Physics Assignments

Introduction to Oscillations and Wave Motion

  On the left you see a blue mass on a spring. You might say it is vibrating left and right. A more technical way of referring to this motion would be to say it is oscillating, or to say it is executing simple harmonic motion.
Introduction to Waves

1. Read pages 453-455 in the textbook.

2. Do the following experiment individually, not in groups:
Visit http://www.ionaphysics.org/classroom/Physlets2/IonaPuzzles/Oscillator.html
Record the code number which is below the meter stick.
Watch the periodic motion. Use the stopwatch to determine the period of the motion.

3. Answer the following questions on a piece of paper (finish for homework). This will be collected in class.

  1. What is the definition of period?
  2. What was the code number on your individual experiment?
  3. What was the period of the motion on your individual experiment?
  4. What is the frequency of the motion of your individual experiment?
  5. Assuming your measurement was not perfect, what might you do to improve the accuracy of your period measurement?