PHET Interactive Simulations: Masses and Spring 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.