Vertical Spring-Mass System Concepts

The video tutorial explores vertical spring-mass systems, focusing on energy changes during oscillation. It explains equilibrium, displacement, and the conversion of potential to kinetic energy. The forces and acceleration involved in the system are discussed, along with a detailed analysis of kinetic and potential energy. Finally, the period of oscillation is explained, highlighting that it remains unchanged regardless of the system's orientation.

What makes vertical spring-mass systems more complex than horizontal ones?

• They require more complex mathematical equations.

• They involve both gravitational and spring potential energy changes.

• They are harder to set up experimentally.

• They do not follow simple harmonic motion.

In a vertical spring-mass system, what is the equilibrium position for a 4 kg mass with a spring constant of 400 N/m?

• 0.3 meters below the relaxed state

• 0.2 meters below the relaxed state

• 0.1 meters below the relaxed state

• 0.05 meters below the relaxed state

What happens to the net force on the mass at the equilibrium point during oscillation?

• It is zero.

• It is equal to the gravitational force.

• It is equal to the sum of gravitational and spring forces.

• It is equal to the spring force.

How does the spring force compare to the gravitational force at the maximum stretch point?

• Spring force is half of the gravitational force.

• Spring force is equal to the gravitational force.

• Spring force is twice the gravitational force.

• Spring force is three times the gravitational force.

At the equilibrium point, what fraction of the total energy is kinetic in a vertical spring-mass system?

• All of it

• Three quarters

• One quarter

• One half

How does the kinetic energy at the equilibrium point in a vertical system compare to a horizontal system?

• It is the same as the spring potential energy at maximum displacement.

• It is three quarters of the spring potential energy at maximum displacement.

• It is one quarter of the spring potential energy at maximum displacement.

• It is half of the spring potential energy at maximum displacement.

What is the total mechanical energy of the system when the mass is at the bottom of its oscillation?

• Equally divided between kinetic and potential energy

• All in kinetic energy

• All in spring potential energy

• All in gravitational potential energy

What determines the period of oscillation in a spring-mass system?

• The orientation of the system

• The mass and spring constant

• The gravitational force

• The amplitude of oscillation

Does the orientation of the spring-mass system affect the period of oscillation?

• No, but it affects the amplitude.

• Yes, it changes with orientation.

• Yes, but only in vertical systems.

• No, it remains the same.

Why does the mass travel slower through the equilibrium point in a vertical system compared to a horizontal one?

• Due to increased gravitational force

• Due to decreased spring force

• Due to different energy distribution

• Due to air resistance