After Day Three
You now have data with 10 or MORE oscillations. . .
Generate your NEW Equation.
You have linearized your NEW data and graphed mass vs T squared.
T is the period
The equation of your graph is:
(mass) = slope X (T squared) + y-intercept
The value of the slope and y-intercept will come from your linearized equation in either:
- graphing calculator
- Excel
- Desmos
- Google Sheets
Check Your NEW Equation
Substitute into your NEW equation the period for known masses (see your new data table).
Compare the known mass to the calculated mass.
If there is an unacceptable difference between the known and calculated mass, you'll need to adjust your equation.
Adjust Your NEW Equation
Are the calculated and known mass ever equal? Is there a period that gives you a calculated mass that equals the known mass? Call this period T knot.
How should you adjust your calculated mass that have a period greater than T knot?
HINT - add or subtract some mass from the calculated value. The amount added/subtracted will depend on how far you are from T knot.
How should you adjust your calculated mass that have a period less than T knot?
HINT - add or subtract some mass from the calculated value. The amount added/subtracted will depend on how far you are from T knot.