Free AP Physics C lesson
Spring Systems
This AP Physics C: Mechanics lesson is designed for AP Physics C self-study. It includes 3 video lessons, 5 practice questions, and an estimated completion time of 22 minutes.
Video lessons
Harmonic Oscillator with a Crate on Top of a Crate
Watch on YouTubeSprings in Series and Parallel
Watch on YouTubeThe Equivalence of a Vertical Mass on a Spring to a Horizontal Mass on a Spring
Watch on YouTube
Practice covered
- A mass m_1 on a spring has a second mass m_2 resting on top of it. The coefficient of static friction between the masses is mu_s. What determines the maximum acceleration the system can have without m_2 slipping?
- Two identical springs with spring constant k are connected end-to-end (in series). What is the effective spring constant k_eff of this combination?
- Two identical springs with spring constant k are connected side-by-side (in parallel). What is the effective spring constant k_eff of this combination? Express as a coefficient times k.
- A spring is cut in half. How does the spring constant of one half (k') compare to the original spring constant (k)?
- Why do a horizontal mass-spring system and a vertical mass-spring system (both with the same m and k) have the same period of oscillation?
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