Science Projects : Simple Harmonic Motion in a Spring-Mass System (Physics)

Objective

In this science fair project you will investigate the mathematical relationship between the period (the number of seconds per bounce) of a spring and the load (mass) carried by the spring. Based on the data you collect, you will be able to derive the spring constant, as described in Hooke's Law, as well as the effective mass of the spring.

Introduction

This project requires very simple materials to explore the physics of periodic motion. All you need is a mini Slinky® and some weights, such as small id="IL_AD5">fishing sinkers. The period of the Slinky is the time it takes to go through one down-and-up cycle when it is hung vertically from one end. The spring with the weight is a simple harmonic oscillator, which is a system that follows Hooke's law. Hooke's law states that when the simple harmonic oscillator is displaced from its equilibrium position, it experiences a restoring force, F, proportional to the displacement, x, where k is a positive constant:....