Spring-Mass System

This interactive simulator explores Spring-Mass System in Classical Mechanics. Simple harmonic motion with adjustable spring constant and damping. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.

Who it's for: Suited to beginners and first exposure to the topic. Typical context: Classical Mechanics.

Key terms

  • spring
  • mass
  • system
  • spring mass
  • mechanics
  • classical

Live graphs

How it works

A mass on a frictionless horizontal surface attached to an ideal spring obeys mẍ + cẋ + kx = 0. With light damping, oscillations decay; without driving, energy sloshes between kinetic and potential ½kx².

Key equations

mẍ + cẋ + kx = 0
ω₀ = √(k/m),   PE = ½kx²
Underdamped: ωd = √(ω₀² − (c/2m)²), T = 2π/ωd. Undamped motion uses velocity Verlet for better energy behaviour.