Period of oscillation on a spring

T=2\pi\sqrt{\dfrac{m}{k}}

Result unit: s (second)

What it describes

The period of oscillation of a body of mass m suspended on a spring of stiffness k.

T

period of oscillation

[s]

m

mass of the body

[kg]

k

spring (stiffness) constant

[N/m]

A heavier body oscillates more slowly (larger

T

), while a stiffer spring (larger

k

) makes it oscillate faster. The period does not depend on the amplitude.

Oscillations of a body suspended on a spring.

A 0.5 kg body on a spring with

k=200

N/m. Calculate the period.

Substitution

m=0.5

k=200

Result

T=2\pi\sqrt{0.5/200}\approx0.31

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