A 0.5kg mass on a spring (k=50 N/m). What is the period?

T = 2π√(0.5/50) = 2π√(0.01) ≈ 0.628 s.

Does the period change if you double the initial stretch amplitude?

No — for ideal springs, period is independent of amplitude.

What would happen to the period on the Moon (g = 1.6 m/s²)?

T = 2π√(m/k) — it doesn't depend on g at all!

Pro 🔒~12 min

Masses and Springs: Basics

Introductory spring oscillation — no damping or driving

How it works

A spring exerts a restoring force proportional to its displacement (Hooke's Law). This causes the mass to oscillate back and forth — simple harmonic motion. The period depends only on mass and spring constant, not on amplitude or gravity direction. This is one of the most fundamental forms of oscillatory motion in physics.

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Step-by-step

Select a mass from the shelf and hang it on the spring.
Pull the mass down and release it.
Use the stopwatch to measure the period.
Try different masses and spring constants to verify the period formula.

Key formulas

$T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}$ Period of oscillation
$F_{spring} = -kx$ Restoring force (Hooke's Law)

Frequently asked questions

A 0.5kg mass on a spring (k=50 N/m). What is the period?: T = 2π√(0.5/50) = 2π√(0.01) ≈ 0.628 s.
Does the period change if you double the initial stretch amplitude?: No — for ideal springs, period is independent of amplitude.
What would happen to the period on the Moon (g = 1.6 m/s²)?: T = 2π√(m/k) — it doesn't depend on g at all!