The amount of mass (g) added to the spring correlated linearly with the amount the spring stretched (cm.) The length of the spring increased positively as the amount of mass was increased. The slope of the equation is 0.08 (g/cm) and the y-intercept is 11.43 (cm.) The uncertainty in the x-axis was (+/-) 5g because the masses used during the expiration appeared beat-up, old, and probably not very accurate. The uncertainty in the y-axis was 0.175 cm because the biggest range in measurement between trials was 0.35 cm (this was with 200g of mass attached to the spring.
There may have been systematic error involved in this expirament due to the relative inaccuracy of the measuring tools used. In addition, there was human error involved in the measurements taken- especially at the 200g level. The inaccurate measuring tool, like the meter stick and old masses. The nature of the spring may have negatively influenced the measurements of the length that were taken, in that it was difficult to stop the spring from bouncing and take an accurate measurement.
In the future, more accurate masses could be used to lower the amount of uncertainty in the x-axis. Also, the meter stick could be mounted to the apparatus, (no opportunity for human error in not holding the meter stick straight) and more time could be given in order to allow the spring to completely stop bouncing before measuring the length of the spring.
Hi Sonia, I also need you graph for the spring lab.
ReplyDeleteGreat units and discussion of the relationship between mass and stretch, but you need to have the mathematical relationship in equation form, and you're missing a discussion of the physical meaning of the slope and y intercept. What does 0.08 g/cm mean about your spring? Why is the y intercept 11 cm?
Remember when reporting the slope and y-intercept to round to the best sig fig or the level of precision that matches your uncertainty (whichever is less precise). Uncertainty can also only be 1 sig fig, so your uncertainty in your y should be reported as 0.2 cm.
When reporting the mathematical relationship, remember not to use y and x, but your actual variables.