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CLASSICAL MECHANICS · SIMULATION 05

Spring–Mass System

Explore harmonic motion, damping and resonance. Change the physical parameters and watch the system respond in real time.

LIVE EXPERIMENT
Displacement+0.180 m
Velocity+0.000 m/s
Mechanical energy0.324 J
Natural frequency0.712 Hz

THE PHYSICS

One system. Three regimes.

mẍ + cẋ + kx = F(t)
Restoring force

The spring pulls the mass toward equilibrium with force proportional to displacement: F = −kx.

Damping

Resistance removes energy. Low damping oscillates; critical damping returns fastest without overshoot.

Resonance

A periodic force near the natural frequency can build a large response. Current ratio: 0.98.