Project
Project
Department of Physics
Submitted by:
Your Name
B.Sc. Physics, 6th Semester
Your College Name
Roll Number: XXXX
Submitted to:
Professor’s Name
Department of Physics
2 Introduction 2
3 Literature Review 2
4 Methodology 2
4.1 Materials Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
4.2 Experimental Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
6 Conclusion 4
7 References 4
1
1 Abstract
This project investigates the motion of a spring-mass system under free, damped,
and forced oscillations. The study includes theoretical calculations and experimental
verification using a simple spring-mass setup. The effects of damping and external pe-
riodic forces on oscillatory motion are analyzed, with a focus on resonance. The results
are compared with analytical models to understand real-world applications, such as shock
absorbers and seismic vibration control.
2 Introduction
Oscillatory motion plays a crucial role in various physical systems, from atomic vibra-
tions to engineering applications. A simple spring-mass system provides fundamental
insights into oscillatory behavior, including:
• Simple harmonic motion (SHM)
• Damped oscillations
3 Literature Review
Previous studies have explored the dynamics of oscillatory systems in mechanical and
electrical domains. The standard differential equation for damped oscillations is:
d2 x dx
m 2
+ b + kx = 0 (1)
dt dt
where m is the mass, b is the damping coefficient, and k is the spring constant. When
an external periodic force is applied:
d2 x dx
m 2
+ b + kx = F0 cos(ωt) (2)
dt dt
the system exhibits resonance at ω = ω0 .
4 Methodology
4.1 Materials Required
• Helical spring
2
• Damping materials (water, oil, foam)
• Stopwatch
• Ruler
3. Record the time for 10 complete oscillations and calculate the period T.
2. Measure amplitude reduction over time and plot the damping curve.
b
x(t) = x0 e− 2m t cos(ωd t) (4)
3
6 Conclusion
This project successfully demonstrated free, damped, and forced oscillations. The
experimental data closely matched theoretical models. These principles have applications
in mechanical systems, seismology, and electrical circuits.
7 References
1. H.J. Pain, The Physics of Vibrations and Waves, Wiley, 6th Edition.