PURPOSE: To demonstrate simple harmonic motion.
DESCRIPTION: A glider is connected by two springs fixed to the ends of
the air track. When displaced and released it executes SHM about its equilibrium
position. Additional weights can be added to the glider to increase its period.
This is the horizontal version of the more common verticle mass and spring. The horizintal version is favored over the verticle version when treating SHM because the analysis is easier. The gravity is eliminated and only the only force is the spring constant k.
EQUIPMENT: Air track and glider, two springs as photographed.
SETUP NOTES: The gliders and springs are stored in mechanics.
Updated by Jun Qi in 3/24/2000