Good Vibrations

B and C Blocks tackled adding more descriptors to simple harmonic motion today - amplitude, the maximum displacement; period, the time for a single oscillation; frequency, the number of oscillations per second. We looked at which factors affected oscillation period for the mass-spring system (mass and spring constant) and the simple pendulum (length and acceleration due to gravity) and how to use those values to calculate period. In our next installment of class time - wave properties!

F Block continued with their Pendulum Periods lab, using the block to graph their data on the computer and make conclusions as to which factors impact the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum. Once the key factor was discovered (length), students manipulated the period vs. length relationship to find the exact mathematical connection, which was ultimately the formula we'll be looking at in class.

E Block conducted their Pendulum Periods lab and some groups completed their graphing on the computer. If your group did not, simply make the graphs on your graphing calculator, in Excel or use an online graphing simulation. I will be looking for labs for Thursday, so don't stress getting them ready for tomorrow.