Harmonic Oscillation on Frictionless Track

Figure 1: Set up of the Harmonic Oscillation on Frictionless Track demonstration. Two frictionless carts are coupled by equivalent springs.

Demo:

This demonstration shows harmonic oscillations between two frictionless carts coupled together by springs of equivalent spring constants. Each end of this system is stationary, which causes this demo to behave as a closed-closed system.

Equipment:

• Frictionless Track
• 2 Frictionless Carts
• Lead Block with Wooden Base
• 3 Equivalent Springs

Experiment:

1. Place the two frictionless carts and the lead block on the track, as seen in Figure 1.
2. Attach the springs to each object, as seen in Figure 1.
   1. Note: The springs and carts are not originally designed to have springs attached to them. The carts have little holes at the top on each end. This is where the end of the spring goes through.
3. Equally space the two carts and the lead block from each other.

Written by Ryan Dudschus