Simple Harmonic Motion experiment help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an experiment related to simple harmonic motion and the behavior of a beam under load. The original poster describes their observations regarding the relationship between the length of the beam and the resulting depression, as well as the frequency of oscillations when the mass is displaced and released.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions why an increase in length leads to greater depression and why a decrease in length results in an increased frequency of oscillation. Some participants suggest considering the concept of moments as a potential explanation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of moments in relation to the original poster's observations. There is no explicit consensus yet, but hints have been provided that may guide further exploration of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that the experiment was conducted with a constant mass of 1 kg and that the attachment provided was meant to clarify the setup rather than serve as a source of solutions.

incalculable
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I did an experiment at school, and the experiment SET UP that i did is basically shown in the word attachment link.

http://www.schoolphysics.co.uk/age16-19/Mechanics/Statics/experiments/bending_of_a_beam.doc.

I have two questions!

Question 1:when i did the experiment, I found that with a greater length (L), the depression (y) was also greater (the weight was constant).

So the question is,WHY would the depression would increase as the length increases.

Question 2:We were also told to pull the mass down, and then release it. This resulted in the ruler oscillating up and down - exhibiting simple harmonic motion.
I found that (when the weight is constant) when you decrease the length (L), the time period of oscillations decreased, and so the frequency increased.

I again want to know WHY the frequency increased as length decreases.

NOTE:The attachment was just there to clarify what the experiment setup was like, as i felt i wouldn't be able to explain it well. In reality we only measured the change in depression (y) as the length (L) increased and how the frequency changed with increasing length (L) (when we displaced the masses). We always used a constant mass of 1kg.
The questions 1 and 2 that i have asked are things I don't understand myself.If someone could also provide equations to help explain the results i would be extreeeeemely grateful!
 
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Hint: Levers.
 
so, are you implying its to do with moments?
 
incalculable said:
so, are you implying its to do with moments?
Yes.
 

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