How to Study SHM with a Mass Between Two Springs?

[Ipos Manger]

Hello! My second time here, and this forum has really been helpful.

I got a question:

How could i do an experiment to study the SHM of a mass between two springs? I've tried doing it, but the mass can't complete one cycle, and friction is always a problem. Is there a way to reduce it?

Also, how can i make a trolley/mass be between two springs?

Thank you very much.

 

[bp_psy]

You can attach one end of each spring to the mass and fix the other ends on some support. If you want to reduce friction you could mount he spring and mass vertically.
]-/\/\/\/\-[mass]-/\/\/\/\/\-[

 

[Ipos Manger]

Hey, thanks for repplying!

Well I've tried to mount it vertically.. but it doesn't work. Or maybe I'm doing it wrong. Gravity makes the mass go down, but not up.

 

[PeterO]

Hey, thanks for repplying!

Well I've tried to mount it vertically.. but it doesn't work. Or maybe I'm doing it wrong. Gravity makes the mass go down, but not up.

The vertical system could be as follows:

Two springs, relaxed length 30cm.
A mass with hook top and bottom - say 1kg, total length hook to hook 10 cm.

Attach one spring to a high point, perhaps 1m from the ground.
Hook the mass to the spring.
Hook the second spring to the bottom hook on the mass.
Attach the bottom spring to a point on the ground.

In this way, both springs are partially extended.

Once the system is stable, raise the mass slightly and release.

EDIT: alternately, in your original set-up, replace the mass with a dynamics trolley or roller skate.

 

[rwisz]

Hello there! It's great to hear that this forum has been helpful for you. I would suggest the following approach to study the SHM (simple harmonic motion) of a mass between two springs:

1. Set up the experiment: First, you will need to set up a simple apparatus with two identical springs attached to a rigid base. The springs should be parallel to each other and have a small gap in between to place the mass.

2. Choose the right mass: The mass you use should be small enough to complete one cycle of oscillation between the two springs. You can try using a small metal ball or a lightweight wooden block.

3. Reduce friction: To reduce friction, you can attach a pulley system to the mass and connect it to a string. The string can then pass through a small hole in the base and be connected to a weight on the other end. This will help to minimize friction and allow the mass to complete one cycle of oscillation.

4. Measure the oscillations: Use a stopwatch or a motion sensor to measure the time taken for the mass to complete one cycle of oscillation. Repeat this process multiple times and calculate the average time.

5. Vary the mass and spring constants: To study the relationship between mass and spring constants, you can vary the mass of the object and the stiffness of the springs. Record the time taken for one cycle of oscillation for each combination and plot a graph to observe the relationship.

To make a trolley/mass between two springs, you can use a similar setup as described above, but instead of attaching the springs to a rigid base, you can attach them to a trolley. This will allow the mass to move horizontally between the two springs, creating a different type of SHM.

I hope this helps and good luck with your experiment! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or need clarification. Happy experimenting!