Answer 1

Is the hanger attached to the same end of the spring as the accelerated mass (M)? What is the mass of the hanger? What is the mass of the accelerated mass (M)?

Answer 2

and the mass of the accelerated mass?

Answer 3

Okay. I wouldn't say that \(40g \lt \lt 160g ~or~300g\). Therefore, I would suggest including it.

Answer 4

Sure. Note that 40g is 25% of 160g and 13.33% of 300g. This means that the hanger contributes a considerable amount to the dynamics of the spring system.

On the other hand, if we had a mass of 1kg, then 40g would be 4% of 1000g. Therefore, the hanger contributes less to the dynamics of the system. In this case, it may be acceptable to exclude the mass of the hanger depending on the accuracy required.

Answer 5

Since you know the mass of the hanger, it makes even more sense to include it. We don't have to do any extra work, but obtain a more accurate answer.

Answer 6

Of course it contributes. The point I'm trying to make is that is contributes SIGNIFICANTLY to the total mass, therefore it should be included.

Answer 7

It will decrease our accuracy a lot (\(\approx 25 \)% in the case of 160g accelerated mass).

When performing experiments (especially those that are this simple) we should include all the information we know.

Answer 8

I'd be glad to.