Mass on a spring
Mass on a spring is an interactive experiment in Oscillations & Waves, a free simulation from StudyFi Lab that runs right in your browser.
A spring of stiffness k pulls a mass m back to equilibrium, and the damping b slows it: x″ = −(k/m)·x − (b/m)·x′. Without damping it oscillates with T = 2π√(m/k). At b = 2√(km) (critical damping) it returns fastest without overshooting; with larger b it creeps back more slowly. Damping gradually removes energy.
Try this: Set the damping with the “Critical” button, then double b — which return to the centre is faster?
Frequently asked questions
What does the “Mass on a spring” experiment show?
A spring of stiffness k pulls a mass m back to equilibrium, and the damping b slows it: x″ = −(k/m)·x − (b/m)·x′. Without damping it oscillates with T = 2π√(m/k). At b = 2√(km) (critical damping) it returns fastest without overshooting; with larger b it creeps back more slowly. Damping gradually removes energy.
How do I try “Mass on a spring”?
Set the damping with the “Critical” button, then double b — which return to the centre is faster?
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