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# System prepended metadata

title: Lab 01 Notes

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# Lab 01 Notes

## Part B - Familiarization section

1. **What is the main target quantity from the experimental goal?**

   the main target quantity is the spring constant $k$ in units of $N/m$

2. **How do you get from the experimental goal to something you can measure?**

   the target $k$ can be calculated using the formula
   $$
   k = \frac{\Delta F}{\Delta x} = g \frac{\Delta m}{\Delta x} = g \frac{m_2 - m_1}{x_2 - x_1}
   $$
   therefore we can measure $x_1, x_2, m_1, m_2$ to find $k$

3. **Play with the simulation. What can you control and what can you measure?**

   In the simulation, I can control the displacement of the end of the spring, i.e. $x_1$ and $x_2$; I can measure the weight exerted on to the sprint, i.e. $m1$ and $m2$

4. **What will your general measurement strategy be? This is not a step-by-step procedure, but a couple of sentences summarizing your planned approach once you have familiarized yourself with the equipment.**

   I can first determine $x_1$ and record the corresponding $m_1$, then I will determine $x_2$ and record the corresponding $m2$. After that I will calculate $\Delta m$ and $\Delta x$, and finally I will find the value of $k$ using the forementioned formula.


