Period of Mass-Spring System (AQA A Level Physics): Revision Note

Period of Mass-Spring System

• A mass-spring system consists of a mass attached to the end of a spring

• The equation for the restoring force (the force responsible for the SHM) is F_H = - kx 

  • This is the same as the equation for Hooke's Law

• The time period of a mass-spring system is given by:

• Where:

  • T = time period (s)

  • m = mass on the end of the spring (kg)

  • k = spring constant (N m^-1)

• This equation applies to both horizontal and vertical mass-spring systems:

A mass-spring system can be either vertical or horizontal. The time period equation applies to both

• The equation shows that the time period and frequency, of a mass-spring system, does not depend on the force of gravity

  • Therefore, the oscillations would have the same time period on Earth and the Moon

• The higher the spring constant k, the stiffer the spring and the shorter the time period of the oscillation