Horizontal vs. Vertical Mass-Spring System

The video tutorial clarifies misconceptions about a mass spring system demonstration. It explains that the surface was not truly frictionless and that the video was looped to show a constant amplitude. The system was actually vertical, rotated to appear horizontal, but both orientations behave similarly. The tutorial discusses the forces in both systems, emphasizing the role of gravity in vertical systems. Finally, it explains the video was slowed for better understanding.

Why is it impossible to have a truly frictionless surface in a horizontal mass spring system?

• Because the mass would not move without friction

• Because friction is needed to maintain constant amplitude

• Because all surfaces have some degree of friction

• Because friction is necessary for motion

What is the main difference between a vertical and horizontal mass spring system?

• The horizontal system has a higher amplitude

• The vertical system does not oscillate

• The horizontal system is affected by gravity

• The vertical system oscillates around a lower equilibrium position

In a vertical mass spring system, what forces cancel each other out at the equilibrium position?

• The net force and the gravitational force

• The horizontal spring force and gravity

• The upward spring force and the downward force of gravity

• The frictional force and the spring force

What is the restoring force in a horizontal mass spring system?

• The net force in the y direction

• The horizontal spring force

• The frictional force

• The gravitational force

Why was the video of the mass spring system slowed down?

• To make the motion appear smoother

• To make it easier to understand the motion

• To increase the amplitude of oscillation

• To demonstrate the effect of friction