Repeat the measurement four times to minimize human error, then record. Start the stopwatch as a numbered block reaches its maximum swing and start counting with zero, otherwise you will end up timing only nine swings. Practice this until your times for 10 oscillations are fairly close to each other. Calculate the average time for each oscillation by adding four measurements and dividing by four. Calculate the natural frequency.
Frequency is measured in hertz, or cycles per second.
B. Heights of the Rod Assemblies 1. Measure the height of each rod assembly from the base to the top of the block and record it. Plot the height versus the natural frequency of each rod assembly on the graph provided. You should have four data points. Connect the points with the best fitting straight or curved line you can.