Video Summary: Physics 9702 Practical Lab - May/June 2024 Paper 32 Question 2
In this video, we demonstrate an AS Level Physics experiment designed to investigate the equilibrium of a wooden rod and determine the spring constant k. This practical is from Cambridge's 9702 May/June 2024 Paper 32.
We begin by assembling the apparatus, ensuring the wooden rod is parallel to the bench and the spring is vertical. You'll observe how to measure the initial spring length Lo, and we'll record the period of oscillations to calculate the spring constant k using given formulas.
Next, we introduce a plumb line and adjust the angle θ between the spring and vertical to approximately 20° and later to 45°, measuring the new spring length L at both angles. Using these measurements, we calculate the values of D from the given relationship between L and θ and assess the accuracy of our results.
The video also covers sources of uncertainty in the experiment and suggests possible improvements to enhance the precision of the measurements.