Air Track, Springs, Vernier interface with sonic sensor
Air Track, Springs, Vernier interface with sonic sensor

 

Code Number: 1M40.73

Demo Title: Air Track - Damped Mechanical Oscillator - Energy

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Energy Graph

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment: 

Air Track, Springs, Vernier interface with sonic sensor.

Procedure:

See: 3A50.40.

Attach the two springs to the air track cart and use the adapters to stretch them to a comfortable level.  Make sure the flag on the cart is turned so that it not only provides some damping, but can also be "seen" by the sonic sensor.  

References:

  • Tommaso Corridoni, Michele D'Anna, Hans Fuchs, "Damped Mechanical Oscillator: Experiment and Detailed Energy Analysis", TPT, Vol. 52, #2, Feb. 2014, p. 88.
  • Lorenzo Basano, Pasquale Ottonello, Valeria Palestini, "Ripples in the Energy of a Damped Oscillator: The Experimental Point of View", AJP, Vol. 64, #10, Oct. 1996.
  • Edwin A. Karlow, "Ripples in the Energy of a Damped Harmonic Oscillator", AJP, Vol. 62, #7, July 1994.