Teaching Physics with the Physics Suite

Edward F. Redish

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Oscillating difficulties

In class, we discussed two examples of a mass oscillating as a result of being connected to a spring: a cart connected to a spring and oscillating horizontally, and a mass hanging down from a spring and oscillating vertically. Because the position, velocity, and forces were continually changing, these examples were more complex than those descriptions of motion we considered earlier in the year. Pick one aspect of these oscillating motions that you found difficult, explain the difficulty you had, and explain how you resolved and made sense of it. (If you had no problem describe one another student you interacted with had and how you helped them resolve their problem.) Note: This is an essay question. Your answer will be judged not solely on its correctness, but for its depth, coherence, and clarity.


Page last modified February 28, 2010: O49