Lesson objectives (Simple harmonic motion)

This is the second of two lessons using the OpenSTEM Africa Spring mass system application. If you have not completed the first lesson (Spring mass system 1: Determining a spring force constant), please do so before starting this lesson.

Lesson objectives

By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:

  • Describe the harmonic properties of an oscillating spring.
  • Explain how a period is converted to a frequency oscillation.
  • Compare the effects of mass and displacement on the period of an oscillating spring.
  • Calculate the spring force constant using mass and the square of the period.
  • Describe how the stiffness of a spring relates the frequency of oscillation.

The following practical and experimental Skills will be developed:

  • Observations
  • Plotting
  • Analysing
  • Interpretation
  • Reporting

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