4. Collect the Free Vibration Decay Data

Once you have set-up your model and the equipment, follow these instructions to do the Free-Vibration Decay Experiment using the program ACCDATA on your TI Graphing Calculator.

4.1 Loading the ACCDATA program

Switch on your calculator.

Press
Enter the number before ACCDATA
The calculator displays prgmACCDATA
Press

The program will start.

Now follow the instructions on the calculator display.

You can exit the program at any time by pressing ON and then pressing the number before Quit (2 on the TI-82, 1 on the TI-83).

After you have entered the time for collecting data, the program displays

4.2 Collecting the Data

  1. Push the model over at the top. Push it at the centre to avoid twisting the model.
  2. Put your finger over the START/STOP button on the CBL 2.
  3. Press the START/STOP button and let go of the model at exactly the same time.
  4. The CBL 2 collects data from the moving model and displays it as a graph on the calculator . The graph shows a plot of acceleration on the y-axis against time on the x-axis.

This graph shows the response measured from the model opposite. It shows how the motion of the model decays.
5. If it is a good graph save it to look at later. (see below for instructions)

6. Repeat the experiment a number of times to get a clear graph similar to the one shown, if possible.
Hint ! Try changing the time for collecting data. If your graph shows the motion dying out early, choose a shorter time. If the motion hasn't died out, choose a longer time.

4.3 Saving Graphs

Press [DRAW] 1 (to display the DRAW STO menu and select StorePic)
Press 4 (to display VARS PIC menu)
Press 1,2,3,4,5 or 6 to save as Pic1, Pic2, Pic3, Pic4, Pic5, or Pic6
Press

4.4 Recalling Graphs

Press [DRAW] 2 (to display the DRAW STO menu and select RecallPic)
Press 4 (to display VARS PIC menu)
Press 1,2,3,4,5 or 6 to recall graphs Pic1, Pic2, Pic3, Pic4, Pic5, or Pic6
Press

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