Discussion Questions: Masses and Springs

• How does the initial stretch of the spring affect the motion of a mass and the energy of the system?
• What is the effect of spring stiffness on the motion of the masses? on the energy of the system?
• What is the effect of gravity on the motion of the masses? on the energy of the system?
• What is the effect of friction on the motion of the masses attached to the springs?
• Draw a diagram of one of the springs in motion. Indicate where the potential energy of the spring is highest and lowest and where there is increased kinetic energy. Roughly plot a line graph of vertical displacement vs. time and velocity vs. time.