Mass on a Spring

Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 79 of 94.

T = 2π √(m/k)

A larger mass: a longer period. A stiffer spring: a shorter period. Four times the mass gives twice the period.

Two identical springs hanging from a ceiling: the left one holds a mass m and bobs with period T, the right one holds a mass 4m and bobs twice as slowly, with period 2T

Same spring, four times the mass: the period doubles.

The amplitude is not in the formula: farther to go, but faster too.

Challenge

A 0.8 kg block on a spring oscillates with a period of 0.4π s, about 1.2566 s. Find the spring constant k.

Try it yourself

Test yourself

This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

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15Simple Harmonic Motion

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