Mass of a Spring: Does it Affect the Period?

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The mass of a spring does influence the period of a harmonic oscillator, as it can affect the spring constant (k). A varying k due to the spring's mass leads to changes in the period, making it longer than predicted by the standard equation T= 2*pi*sqrt(m/k). The concept of effective mass of the spring is crucial in understanding this relationship. Resources like the provided website can clarify these dynamics further. Understanding these factors is essential for accurate predictions in oscillatory motion.
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Any real spring has mass. Do you think that this mass would make the actual period of a real harmonic oscillator longer or shorter than the period predicted by the equation T= 2*pi*square root m/k. Explain your reasoning.

I think it will affect the period because I am thinking that the mass of the spring will determine the value for k. So if k is varying then, yes it will affect the period.

Does it make sense that the mass of the spring is related to k?
 
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This might give you a small clue: http://www.emporia.edu/physics/keithron/collegelab2/shm.htm" .
 
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What does the effective mass of the spring mean?
 
courtney1121 said:
What does the effective mass of the spring mean?

This is the point at which you should do some google-ing, since I'm powerless in further explanation. :wink:
 
lol ok and thanks so much for that website, it definitely helped. It was exactly what I was looking for.
 

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