Forced oscillations and resonance – driven spring–mass system

PhysicsOscillations & WavesAges 16–17

A horizontal spring–mass system is driven by a vibrator that applies a periodic force F = F₀cos(2πft). Students see the transient stage and then steady oscillation at the driving frequency f, and sweep f back and forth to build the resonance curve A(f), which peaks at the natural frequency f₀. Change the damping to see a sharp or broad resonance peak; switch off the driving force to see damped oscillations.