Delia has to measure the mass of some object. She has a spring with a known spring constant of 3.50 N/m, a stop watch, the unknown object, and a basket for hanging the object from the spring. The only problem is, she doesn't know the mass of the basket. In the end, she records the period of oscillation when only the basket is attached, and the period of oscillation when the mass is in the basket. She finds the periods to be 0.92 seconds and 1.52 seconds, respectively. What is the mass of the unknown object? For the physical representation draw a representative position versus time plot for each measurement.
Simple harmonic motion
Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which an object undergoes oscillatory motion. The restoring force exerted by the object exhibiting SHM is proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position. The force is directed towards the mean position. We see many examples of SHM around us, common ones are the motion of a pendulum, spring and vibration of strings in musical instruments, and so on.
Simple Pendulum
A simple pendulum comprises a heavy mass (called bob) attached to one end of the weightless and flexible string.
Oscillation
In Physics, oscillation means a repetitive motion that happens in a variation with respect to time. There is usually a central value, where the object would be at rest. Additionally, there are two or more positions between which the repetitive motion takes place. In mathematics, oscillations can also be described as vibrations. The most common examples of oscillation that is seen in daily lives include the alternating current (AC) or the motion of a moving pendulum.
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