Physlet Illustration: Period of a Mass on a Spring

 

 

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k = Newtons/meter m = kg 
A block of variable mass (20 kg < m < 200 kg) is attached to a wall by a horizontal spring of variable force constant (1 N/m < k < 1000 N/m). The block rests on a frictionless floor. The distance grid is in meters and the times are shown in seconds. Study the graph of the block's displacement from equilibrium as a function of time. Determine the period, frequency and angular frequency of the block's motion. How do they depend on m and k?

Hints

  1. Using either the clock or the graph, measure period  of oscillation, T.
  2. The frequency f (in Hz) is the inverse of the period (in seconds).
  3. The angular frequency w = 2pf.
  4. How does w change as you change m and/or k?

Reference

See Walker, Section 13-4

Illustration written by Steve Mellema