Masses and Springs: Basics

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