I would like to know how to find the value for the spring constant from the graph of period against the square root of mass. I as study simple harmonic motion and I am using this equation:

Period =2pi * square root * (mass/spring constant)

 

I think that the gradient may help but not entirely sure.

 

It it possible that i may need to find the gradient and use a formula to find out what the spring constant is.

 

Thankyou

You need to know what it means to plot one thing vs another. Find out what the slope of the graph represents, then the answer will be clear to you.

Try to fit the slope into your equation.

Change the equation like this.

 

Period = { 2 * pi * square root (1/ spring constant) } * square root (mass)

 

--Y -------------------------- A ------------------------------ X --

 

plot X var Y

 

the slop = A

 

You can calculate spring constant from A.

But problem is you dont know how to plot the line more precisely.

Drow the line in the center of the data points as soon as possible.

One of the other methods is to use the least sequare method.

 

And determine constant unit correctly.

Edited November 11, 201015 yr by alpha2cen