Masses and Springs - Vectors | Conservation of Energy | Newton's Laws - PhET Interactive Simulations
Hang masses from springs and adjust the spring constant and damping. Transport the lab to different planets, or slow down time. Observe the forces and energy in the system in real-time, and measure the period using the stopwatch.
Overview
Added
March 18, 2026
Subject & domain
physics · work-energy-power
Grade range
Grade 8–Grade 12 (Senior)
Page kind
Tool
Introduction
Masses and Springs Simulation Overview
- Core Topics:
- Vectors
- Conservation of Energy
- Newton's Laws
- Hooke's Law
- Measurement
- Periodic Motion
- Learning Objectives:
- Identify variables that influence the period of oscillation.
- Calculate the gravitational constant ($g$) for unknown environments (Planet X).
- Develop experimental methods to determine the mass of an unknown object.
- Analyze the relationship between velocity and acceleration vectors during oscillation.
- Interpret changes in free-body diagrams throughout the motion cycle.
- Apply the principle of Conservation of Mechanical Energy, accounting for kinetic, elastic potential, gravitational potential, and thermal energy.
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