space.template.ClockLabReport

=Clock Design: Simple Harmonic Motion= Date of Publication (Date of Most Recent Edits)


 * Participants**: List the participants in this experiment.
 * Purpose**: The purpose of this lab is to design and characterize a clock that is makes accurate time measurements in the range of 30 to 90s.
 * Lab Documents**: [[file:Simple Harmonic Motion.doc]]

speed = distance / time ||
 * Brief Description Clock Design**: Provide a short (one paragraph) description of the clock you designed. Also provide clear, very detailed instructions for operating the clock including how to start the clock and how to measure a time using the clock. Supplement this description with images, video, etc. to make clear and interesting.
 * Specifications of Clock:** Provide data that describe the accuracy of the clock for measureing times between 30 and 90s. A graph may be useful. Be sure to describe how the tests were performed (procedure).
 * Sample Calculations:** Describe or reproduce any calculations that are performed during the experiment (other than averaging). For example, if you use a distance and a time to calculate a speed, you should show:
 * //Speed calculation// || The speed in meters per second was calculated by taking the measured distance in meters and dividing by the time elapsed in seconds.
 * Design Variables:** Provide a brief discussion of which variables you think may influence the operation of your clock and how you predicted (pre-lab) that these would influence the performance of your clock.
 * Studied Design Variable 1:** Describe the first factor you studied and the results of how changes to that variable affected the performance (frequency/period) of the clock. A graph is necessary showing at least 4 points that were measured. Be sure to describe how the tests were performed (procedure).
 * Studied Design Variable 2:** Describe the second factor you studied and the results of how changes to that variable affected the performance (frequency/period) of the clock. A graph is necessary showing at least 4 points that were measured. Be sure to describe how the tests were performed (procedure).
 * Lab Questions**: Write out and answer any questions that are included as a part of the lab.
 * 1) Describe in detail how your device may be used to measure an event that lasts 60s. What would the accuracy of this measurement be?
 * 2) Which variable that you studied had the most significant effect on the frequency/period of the clock? If you built your clock with a 20% increase in this variable, what would the new frequency/period of the clock be? Support your answer by referring to data in your report.
 * 3) Which variable that you studied had the least significant effect on the frequency/period of the clock? If you built your clock with a 20% increase in this variable, what would the new frequency/period of the clock be? Support your answer by referring to data in your report.
 * 4) Though it was not a project requirement, it would be nice if your clock could also measure much longer times, on the order of 10 to 15 minutes. Would your clock design still be accurate for long time measurements? What might affect the accuracy of the clock for these longer measurements? Can you think of a way to improve the design to make the clock more accurate for longer measurements?


 * Conclusion**: A good conclusion will include:
 * A statement about whether you think that the experiment produced a valid and reproducible result and reasoning supporting your statement.
 * A suggestion as to why your experimental results differ from any accepted value or your expected result (if appropriate).
 * A suggestion for a simple improvement to the experiment. Think about what caused problems, measurement inaccuracies, or inappropriate simplifying assumptions and propose a change. A sketch may be helpful.

> > //Don't forget to link to your lab report from the lab reports page and to include a link to your lab report in your reflection.//
 * Independent reflection:** One lab report will be turned in for each group. In addition, each student must complete //independently// a reflection addressing the following questions:
 * How was the process of designing and testing a clock similar to the scientific method as discussed in class?
 * How did it differ?
 * What "steps" in the scientific process were present and which were missing?
 * Was there a part of the activity that is not a part of the scientfic process?