Physics · Grades 10–12 · Interactive learning companion

Spring Lab 1: Real-Time Physics Simulation

Relate load, spring extension and oscillation period using an ideal spring model.

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📝 Description

Spring Lab 1 is a real-time physics simulation for exploring springs, load, extension, and elastic behavior. Students can change values and observe how the spring responds, making Hooke's law and related concepts easier to visualize. It is suitable for classroom demonstrations, lab preparation, and self-study.

📋 Instructions

Use the controls to change load and spring settings, then observe extension and motion. Compare different values to understand spring behavior.

🎓 Learning Guide: Spring Lab 1: Real-Time Physics Simulation

Learning focus: Relate load, spring extension and oscillation period using an ideal spring model.

Physics Grades 10–12 Interactive learning companion

Learning objectives

Identify natural length, extension, load and spring constant in the simulation.
Test the proportional relationship between elastic force and extension within the spring’s elastic range.
Predict how changing mass or spring stiffness changes the oscillation period.

Concepts and principles

Hooke’s law gives the elastic spring-force magnitude Fₛ = kx, where k is the spring constant and x is extension from natural length. The elastic spring force acts toward the natural-length position; for vertical oscillation, the net restoring force acts toward equilibrium.
For a hanging mass at rest, mg = kx, so the equilibrium extension is x = mg/k.
For an ideal mass-spring oscillator, T = 2π√(m/k): more mass gives a longer period, while a stiffer spring gives a shorter period.

Try this investigation

Turn on the scale and identify the spring’s natural-length mark before applying a load.
Choose a load, let the motion settle if needed, and record the extension from natural length.
Change only the mass and compare the new extension and displayed time period with your first result.
If spring-constant control is available, keep mass fixed, increase stiffness, and compare the response.

Expected observations and explanations

With the same spring, greater load should produce greater equilibrium extension while Hooke’s law remains applicable.
Increasing mass should increase the ideal oscillation period because T is proportional to √m.
Increasing k should reduce both static extension for a given load and the ideal period.

Assessment questions and answers

A spring with k = 100 N/m extends by 0.05 m. What is the elastic spring-force magnitude?: Answer: Fₛ = kx = 100 × 0.05 = 5 N. The elastic spring force acts toward the natural-length position. During vertical oscillation, gravity and the spring force combine to produce a net restoring force toward equilibrium.
If mass is multiplied by four while k stays fixed, what happens to the ideal period?: Answer: It doubles, because T is proportional to √m and √4 = 2.