Clamp

Meter Rul
International Baccalaureate Physics 4/PSOW
l

Data Analysis - Vibrations of a Loaded Metre Rule

Aim: IB Criteria Assessed
Many experiments use an equation in which one of the factors is raised Data Processing
to a power e.g - Z2, H1.3. The equation could be for example : Criteria Aspect Level
R = k. Z2 assessed 1 2 3 awarded
To test if this equation is true we need to plot a log graph from which Pl (a)
we can find :
Pl (b)
(a) the power that Z is raised to (in this case it is 2) DC
(b) the value of the constant k
DPP
This is a good example of the use of mathematics to manipulate data CE
and from it find useful extra information from the results of our
experiments.

Use the experimental results below to plot a log graph and test the
relationship for a vibrating ruler :

T = k.l3/2

Diagram:

Results:
The results in the table below were obtained for the vibrations of a metre rule loaded with a mass M =
0.2 kg as the projecting length, l, was varied.

l/m Time for 20 complete vibrations / s

0.9 11.5 11.0 11.1 11.0 11.2
0.8 9.0 9.7 9.7 9.2 9.4
0.7 7.6 7.5 7.1 8.0 7.3
0.6 6.8 6.0 6.7 6.0 6.8
0.5 5.0 5.6 5.6 5.1 4.7

Data Processing and Presentation:

1. Draw up a table of l and the average time for one vibration (the period), T.
2. Theoretically, T = k.l3/2, where k is a constant depending on mass, M, the dimensions of the cross-
section of the metre rule and the elastic properties of the material of the rule.
3. In order to determine the constant k and confirm the form of the relationship in (2.), the equation
has to be rewritten in log form. Include this log data in your new table.
4. Plot a suitable graph in order to confirm the relationship T = k.l3/2
5. From your graph, determine the value for n and k

Comment on whether these results confirm the theoretical relationship with a value of n = 1.5. Can
you suggest any reasons for deviations from the linear relationship expected in (4.)?

© 2006 - Mike Dickinson 8356922.doc

International Baccalaureate Physics 4/PSOW

Internal Assessment Marking Form

Crit. Aspects Level Grade
Research Question: Hypothesis: Variables: ccc 3
c. Identifies a focused c. Relates the hypothesis or c. Selects the ccp 2
problem or research prediction directly to the relevant ccn 2
question. research question and independent cpp 2
p. States the problem or explains it, quantitatively and controlled ppp 1
research question, but it where appropriate. variable(s). cpn 1
Pl(a)
is unclear or incomplete. p. States the hypothesis or p. Selects some cnn 1
n. Does not state the prediction but does not relevant ppn 1
problem or research explain it. variables. pnn 0
question or repeats the n. Does not state a n. Does not select nnn 0
general aim provided by hypothesis or prediction. any relevant
the teacher. variables.
Materials / Control of Variables: Collecting Data: ccc 3
Apparatus: c. Describes a method c. Describes a method that ccp 2
c. Selects appropriate that allows for the allows for the collection ccn 2
apparatus or control of the of sufficient relevant cpp 2
materials. variables. data. ppp 1
p. Selects some p. Describes a method p. Describes a method that cpn 1
Pl(b) appropriate that makes some allows for the collection cnn 1
apparatus or attempt to control the of insufficient relevant ppn 1
materials. variables. data. pnn 0
n. Does not select n. Describes a method n. Describes a method that nnn 0
any apparatus or that does not allow for does not allow any
materials. the control of the relevant data to be
variables. collected.
Collecting / Recording Raw Data: Organising / Presenting Raw cc 3
c. Records appropriate raw data (qualitative Data: cp 2
and/or quantitative), including units and c. Presents raw data clearly, cn 1
uncertainties where necessary. allowing for easy pp 1
DC p. Records some appropriate raw data. interpretation. pn 0
n. Does not record any appropriate raw data. p. Presents raw data but does not nn 0
Aspect 1 includes units, uncertainties, allow for easy interpretation.
significant digits n. Does not present raw data or
presents it incomprehensibly.
Processing Raw Data: Presenting Processed Data: cc 3
c. Processes the raw c. Presents processed data appropriately, helping cp 2
data correctly. interpretation and, where relevant, takes into cn 1
p. Some raw data is account errors and uncertainties. pp 1
processed correctly. p. Presents processed data appropriately but with some pn 0
DPP
n. No processing of raw errors and/or omissions. nn 0
data is carried out or n. Presents processed data inappropriately or
major errors are made incomprehensibly
in processing. Aspect 2 includes uncertainty bars, max / min slopes
(HL), axes with labels and units, best fit line drawn
CE Drawing Conclusions: Evaluating procedure(s) Improving the ccc 3
c. Gives a valid and results: investigation: ccp 2
conclusion, based on the c. Evaluates procedure(s) c. Identifies ccn 2
correct interpretation of and results including weaknesses and cpp 2
the results, with an limitations, states realistic ppp 1
explanation and, where weaknesses or errors. suggestions to cpn 1
appropriate, compares p. Evaluates procedure(s) improve the cnn 1
results with literature and results but misses investigation. ppn 1
values. some obvious p. Suggests only pnn 0
p. States a conclusion that limitations or errors. simplistic nnn 0
has some validity. n. The evaluation is improvements.
n. Draws a conclusion that superficial or n. Suggests unrealistic

© 2006 - Mike Dickinson 8356922.doc

International Baccalaureate Physics 4/PSOW

misinterprets the results. irrelevant. improvements.

© 2006 - Mike Dickinson 8356922.doc