Explore the Masses and Springs: Bounce Lab
Hang masses on two springs, compare stiffness, gravity and damping, and measure the bounce period. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Masses and Springs: Bounce Lab with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Masses and Springs: Bounce Lab?
Hang masses on two springs, compare stiffness, gravity and damping, and measure the bounce period. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Engineers use spring-mass models for suspensions, seismometers and vibration isolation.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Heavier masses stretch a spring more.
Period T = 2π√(m/k).
A stiffer spring bounces faster.
Hang the 250 g mass on both springs.
Change gravity to the Moon's value.
Increase damping.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Physics learners
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Masses and Springs: Bounce Lab on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Change gravity to the Moon's value. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is the period of a mass on a spring?
T = 2π√(m/k): larger mass gives slower bounce, larger stiffness gives faster bounce.
Does gravity change the period?
No. It only shifts the resting position.
Is the Masses and Springs: Bounce Lab free to use?
Yes. The Masses and Springs: Bounce Lab is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Physics group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Masses and Springs: Bounce Lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Masses and Springs: Bounce Lab takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 4 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Masses and Springs: Bounce Lab?
1. In the Masses and Springs: Bounce Lab, use the controls to change Spring 1 stiffness, Spring 2 stiffness, Gravity, Damping. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Masses and Springs: Bounce Lab, press "Stop bouncing", "Reset masses" to start, reset or change what is happening. 3. Start with this experiment: Hang the 250 g mass on both springs. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Masses and Springs: Bounce Lab responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Heavier masses stretch a spring more.
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Hang masses on two springs, compare stiffness, gravity and damping, and measure the. Free to use.
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