harmonic_motion.gif (13326 bytes)

HORIZONTAL SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION






EQUIPMENT
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Horizontal Simple Harmonic Motion Apparatus
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Air Table
   


NARRATIVE
                This apparatus is used to show simple harmonic motion without "g".

            Spring A is kept straight and the sled is guided by springs B and C which are concealed in the box. A and B have 1875 dynes/cm spring constants. Two parallel springs identical to these make C. Weak springs are used to minimized the torque acting on the sled.

            The floor of the box is 1/4" plexiglas 36" X 5". The 4" X 6" base of the plexiglas sled rides the air track.

            The visible portion of the sled is painted. It accepts slotted masses to vary the frequency of oscillation.

            Two removable pieces of plexiglas form the box top. Their undersides are painted so it appears that the mass is merely sliding on a smooth, flat surface.