PURPOSE: To plot graphs of position, velocity and acceleration for a mass oscillating on a spring.

DESCRIPTION: The Universal Lab Interface ultrasonic range finder is used to plot graphs of position, velocity and acceleration for a mass oscillating vertically on a spring.

SUGGESTIONS: Note that the closest distance that can be measured by the ultrasonic ranger is about 50cm. A large-area light-weight aluminum plate is available to show very strong damping.

REFERENCES: (PIRA unknown)

EQUIPMENT: Plywood mass on spring hanging from stand, light-weight aluminum mass, and computer with Universal Laboratory Interface and Ultrasonic Range Finder.

SETUP TIME: 10 min.