Masses and Springs: Basics

Topics

• Measurement
• Periodic Motion
• Hooke's Law

Description

Hang masses from springs and discover how they stretch and oscillate. Compare two mass-spring systems, and experiment with spring constant. Transport the lab to different planets, slow down time, and observe the velocity and acceleration throughout the oscillation.

Sample Learning Goals

• Describe the natural length and equilibrium position in your own words.
• Find the relationship between the mass, spring strength (spring constant), and stretch (displacement).
• Design an experiment to determine the mass of a mystery object
• Develop a method to measure the period.
• Determine the factors which affect the period of oscillation.
• Compare the gravity on Planet X to known benchmarks.
• Describe the relationship between the velocity and acceleration vectors, and their relationship to motion, at various points in the oscillation.