Harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement of the object from its equilibrium position. This results in a repetitive back-and-forth motion around the equilibrium point.
The mass of the glider affects the frequency and amplitude (or size) of the harmonic motion. A heavier glider will have a lower frequency and a larger amplitude, while a lighter glider will have a higher frequency and a smaller amplitude.
The equation is: m = (4π^2k)/ω^2, where m is the mass of the glider, k is the spring constant, and ω is the angular frequency. This equation can be derived from Hooke's Law (F = -kx) and the equation for the period of a mass-spring system (T = 2π/ω).
The spring constant can be found by measuring the force required to stretch or compress the spring and dividing it by the displacement. The angular frequency can be calculated using the equation ω = √(k/m), where k is the spring constant and m is the mass of the glider.
The accuracy of the calculation can be affected by factors such as friction, air resistance, and external forces acting on the glider. It is important to minimize these effects and take multiple measurements to improve the accuracy of the calculated mass.