Determine the unstretched length $l_0$ of the spring to the closest $0.1\,\text{cm}$. Exclude the end loops from the measurement.
Calculate the extension $e$ of the spring caused by the mass. Use the equation $e = l_1 - l_0$ given that $l_1 = 17.6\,\text{cm}$.
Calculate the spring constant $k_1$ of the spring. Apply the equation $k_1 = \frac{300}{e}$.
Explain what is meant by parallax errors and how to avoid parallax errors when finding the extension of the spring.
Record the time $t_1$ displayed on the stop-watch in Fig. 1.3 to one decimal place.
Calculate the mean time $t$ for $20$ oscillations.
Calculate the mean period $T$ of the oscillation. Determine the value of $T^2$.
Use your value of $T^2$ to calculate the spring constant $k_2$ of the spring using the equation $k_2 = \frac{11.8}{T^2}$.
Explain why the value for the mean period $T$ obtained by timing $20$ oscillations twice is more accurate than the value obtained by timing $1$ oscillation twice.