Name: spring-mass motion and energy stability
Uploaded: 2023-09-22T11:49:37.000Z
Duration: 1 min 24 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

High School

Physics

PHYS.1

IPC.1.G

One-Degree-of-Freedom System

If a system&#39;s position is defined by one independent variable, it has one degree of freedom. Its potential energy function can then be plotted against that variable.
When the system reaches equilibrium, the slope of the function at that position is zero.
The stability of the equilibrium configuration can be investigated using the second derivative of the potential energy function with respect to the variable.
If the second derivative is positive, the potential energy is minimum, and the system is in a stable equilibrium configuration.
Conversely, if the second derivative is negative, the potential energy is maximum. This implies an unstable equilibrium configuration.
If the second derivative is zero, higher-order derivatives must be evaluated.
If the first non-zero derivative is positive and has an even order, the equilibrium configuration is stable.
Alternatively, if the first non-zero derivative is negative and has odd or even order, it is unstable.
If all the higher-order derivatives are zero, the system has achieved neutral equilibrium. Here, the potential-energy function remains constant around the equilibrium position.

one-degree-of-freedom system

In mechanical engineering, one-degree-of-freedom systems form the basis of a wide range of electrical and mechanical components. Using these models, engineers can predict the behavior of various parts in a larger system, which gives them insight into how different forces interact with each other.
A one-degree-of-freedom system is defined by an independent variable that determines its state and behavior. One example of a one-degree-of-freedom system is a simple harmonic oscillator, such as a mass attached to a spring. The position of the mass along one axis determines its state and behavior, and the force exerted by the spring causes it to oscillate back and forth. The potential energy (V) in such systems can be plotted on a graph to show how much energy the object holds depending on its position relative to its resting point.
By understanding these one-degree-of-freedom systems, engineers can gain valuable knowledge when constructing complex designs. This allows them to accurately model and predict their functioning under different conditions with confidence before building the designs out in reality. Additionally, they can also gain insight into the basic equations linking forces and accelerations, which helps to understand physical properties like inertia.
For investigations into the stability of equilibrium of different configurations, engineers analyze the second derivative of the potential function to determine which equilibrium configurations are stable, unstable, or neutral. Stable equilibriums correspond to minimum values on the potential energy plot, while maximum values indicate instability, and constant values denote neutrality at those points. This helps give designers a better sense of what designs work best for given environments where outside factors may cause dynamic changes over time that could disrupt a machine&#39;s operation if not well predicted beforehand.
Overall knowledge about single-degree freedom systems represents an invaluable tool for engineers looking to construct robust machines or vehicles, from small alarm clocks to modern rockets heading toward outer space.

In mechanical engineering, one-degree-of-freedom systems form the basis of a wide range of electrical and mechanical components. Using these models, ...

Education

JoVE Core

Mechanical Engineering

Unit 1

Virtual Work

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

spring-mass motion and energy stability

A one-degree-of-freedom system uses a single independent variable to describe its state and behavior. In mechanical engineering, this kind of model helps explain how parts in a larger system respond to force. It also gives engineers a way to predict motion before a design is built in real life.

A simple harmonic oscillator is one example of a one-degree-of-freedom system. A mass attached to a spring moves along one axis, and that position determines the system’s state. The spring force makes the mass move back and forth, which creates oscillation.

Engineers also study the potential energy, or V, of these systems. They can plot V on a graph to show how much energy the object stores at different positions relative to its resting point. This helps connect position, force, and motion in a clear way.

These models are useful for building complex designs because they make behavior easier to predict under different conditions. They also help explain the basic equations that link force and acceleration, including ideas connected to inertia. For that reason, one-degree-of-freedom systems are a valuable tool when designing machines and vehicles.

Engineers also use the second derivative of the potential function to check equilibrium stability. Stable equilibrium points appear at minimum values on the potential energy plot. Maximum values show unstable equilibrium, and constant values indicate neutral equilibrium. This kind of analysis helps designers judge which configurations are likely to work best in environments where outside forces may change over time, from small alarm clocks to modern rockets heading into space.

Spring-Mass Motion and Energy Stability

work

Work in Force and Motion

Work connects force, motion, and energy in mechanics. It happens when a force acts on an object and the object moves along the line of action of that force. Work can also be described as energy transfer caused by applying a force, which leads to a change in the object’s motion or position. Work is calculated as the force multiplied by the part of the displacement in the same direction as the force. It can also be written as the dot product of the applied force and the object’s displacement. In...

work of a couple moment

Couple Moment Work in Rotation

Mechanical engineering studies motion, energy, and force, and it uses the idea of a couple moment to describe how two equal and opposite forces act on a rigid body. A couple moment is created when those forces act at two points on the body that are separated by a distance. When a rigid body moves because of a couple, its displacement can be split into two parts. First, the two points move by the same amount to their final positions. Then the body rotates about one of those points. During the...

virtual work

Virtual Work in Force Equilibrium

Virtual work is a mechanics principle used to check equilibrium with imaginary motion. If a body is in static or dynamic equilibrium, the total virtual work from external forces and couple moments must be zero for any virtual displacement. A virtual displacement is an imagined small movement. It can be a shift or a rotation. The virtual work done by a force equals the force dotted with the virtual displacement in the force’s direction. For a couple moment, virtual rotational work is found by...

virtual work for a system of connected rigid bodies

virtual-work-for-a-system-of-connected-rigid-bodies

Finding Forces with Virtual Work in Linked Bodies

Virtual work helps find forces in a system of connected rigid bodies. It is a useful method when several links move together and the system is in equilibrium. In that case, the total virtual work is zero. To analyze the system, start with a free-body diagram. Use one independent coordinate to describe the link configuration. Then mark the deflected position that comes from a positive virtual displacement. This makes the small change in position clear before any calculations begin. Next,...

principle of virtual work: problem solving

principle-of-virtual-work-problem-solving

Virtual Work for Finding Unknown Forces

The principle of virtual work helps find unknown forces and moments in equilibrium problems. It is an important idea in mechanics and engineering. The method uses a small, hypothetical motion called a virtual displacement. If the system is in equilibrium, the work done by the forces during that displacement is zero. To apply this principle, the positions of the internal and external forces must be written in terms of one common coordinate parameter. That parameter can be an angle, a distance,...

mechanical efficiency of real machines

Friction’s Role in Machine Efficiency

Mechanical efficiency shows how well a machine turns input work into output work. It is calculated as the ratio of output work to input work. An ideal machine has an efficiency of one, which means the input work equals the output work. Real machines are never perfectly ideal because some energy is lost. Friction is one of the main causes of that loss. In a toggle vise used to compress wooden blocks, the sliding block rubs against the horizontal plane and creates friction. To find the...

conservative forces

Conservative Forces and Path-Independent Work

Conservative forces are forces whose work depends only on an object’s starting and ending positions. The path between those positions does not change the amount of work done. This idea is important in mechanical engineering because it helps describe how energy moves through a system. A conservative force also conserves energy in the sense that its work is path independent. Gravity is one example. Electrostatic forces and springs modeled by Hooke’s law are also examples. A ball rolling down a...

potential energy

Gravitational and Elastic Energy Stored

Gravitational and elastic potential energy are forms of stored energy from conservative forces. A conservative force, such as gravity or an elastic force, gives a body the capacity to do work. This capacity is measured as potential energy and depends on the body’s position relative to a fixed reference point, or datum. For gravitational potential energy, the datum is the level where the energy is taken as zero. If a body is above this reference plane, its weight has positive gravitational...

potential-energy criterion for equilibrium

potential-energy-criterion-for-equilibrium

Stable Equilibrium Through Potential Energy

Potential energy helps determine when a mechanical system is stable at equilibrium. When a system is acted on by gravitational and elastic forces, its total potential function is the algebraic sum of gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy. If the system is already in equilibrium and is given a small displacement, the work done on the system equals the negative of the change in potential energy between the starting and ending positions. For a virtual displacement, which is...

stability of equilibrium configuration

Types of Equilibrium in Mechanical Systems

Types of equilibrium in mechanical systems are stable, neutral, and unstable. These three cases help explain how a structure or object responds when it is pushed slightly away from balance. They are important for predicting whether a system will return to its original position, stay where it is, or move farther away. Stable equilibrium occurs when a system returns toward its original position after a small displacement. In this case, the potential energy is at a minimum. A cantilever beam...

A one-degree-of-freedom system uses a single independent variable to describe its state and behavior. In mechanical engineering, this kind of model helps explain how parts in a larger system respond to force. It also gives engineers a way to predict motion before a design is built in real life. A simple harmonic oscillator is one example of a one-degree-of-freedom system. A mass attached to a spring moves along one axis, and that position determines the system’s state. The spring force makes...

stability of equilibrium configuration: problem solving

stability-of-equilibrium-configuration-problem-solving

Equilibrium Stability Through Potential Energy

Stability of equilibrium in physics and engineering can be studied by using a system’s potential energy. An equilibrium configuration is a state where the system can remain at rest. Stability describes whether the system tends to return to that state after a small disturbance. Problem solving begins by finding the equilibrium points of the system. This is done by setting the derivative of the potential energy function equal to zero and solving for the independent variable values that satisfy...

key terms and concepts

Study one-degree-of-freedom systems through a spring-mass example, potential energy graphs, and stability of stable, unstable, and neutral equilibrium.

Spring-Mass Motion and Energy Stability | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Mechanical Engineering offers concise, easy-to-understand animated videos covering key topics such as equilibrium, forces, truss analysis, and structural mechanics. Explore their real-world applications, and witness these concepts in action through scientist-led experiments.

mechanical engineering

Chemistry and Physics

IPC.1

Observational Research

Source: Laboratories of Gary Lewandowski, Dave Strohmetz, and Natalie Ciarocco&#8212;Monmouth University

If you want to know how someone thinks or feels, ...

Solving Problems in Physics

Problem-solving is the ability to apply general physical principles to specific situations, usually expressed by equations. It is an essential skill in ...

how-children-solve-problems-using-causal-reasoning

How Children Solve Problems Using Causal Reasoning

Source: Laboratories of Judith Danovitch and Nicholaus Noles&#8212;University of Louisville
Imagine a young child hears an adult say, &#8220;I want to ...

Naturalistic Observations

If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, ...

Models, Theories, and Laws

Scientists frequently use models to help them comprehend a specific collection of phenomena. In physics, a model is a condensed version of a physical ...

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The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a detailed, empirical problem-solving process used by biologists and other scientists. This iterative approach involves ...

Observational Learning

Observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when an individual observes and replicates another&#39;s behavior.
The Bobo doll ...

Perspectives on Cognitive Psychology

Source: Laboratory of Jonathan Flombaum&#8212;Johns Hopkins University

As an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins ...

Case Studies

There are many research methods available to psychologists in their efforts to understand, describe, and explain behavior and the cognitive and biological ...

Ask questions and define problems based on observations or information from text, phenomena, models, or investigations

PHYS.1.A

Study Design in Statistics

A study design is a set of techniques that allow a researcher to collect and analyze data from different variables defined for a specific research ...

Experimental Designs

An experimental design is a systematic process that allows researchers to evaluate the relationship between dependent and independent variables. There are ...

Realism in Experimentation

Source: Laboratories of Gary Lewandowski, Dave Strohmetz, and Natalie Ciarocco&#8212;Monmouth University

In an ideal world researchers would conduct ...

Data Collection by Experiments

Data collection is a systematic method of obtaining, observing, measuring, and analyzing accurate information. An experimental study is a standard method ...

Scientific Method

Observation and Background Research
ExpandNOTE: The first two steps in the scientific process involve studying and observing natural phenomena of ...

The Scientific Method in Nursing Process

The scientific method provides the foundation for any research. It is the most reliable and objective of all forms of gaining knowledge and guides in ...

Observational Studies

Observational studies are a type of analytical study where researchers observe events without any interventions. In other words, the researcher does not ...

Study Designs in Epidemiology

Consider an example of testing calcium&#39;s effect on a woman&#39;s bone weight.
In an ideal study design, the same woman would be observed in two ...

What is an Experiment?

An experiment is a planned activity carried out under controlled conditions. The purpose of an experiment is to investigate the relationship between two ...

Categories and Inductive Inferences

Source: Laboratories of Nicholaus Noles and Judith Danovitch&#8212;University of Louisville
It might be possible for the human brain to keep track of each ...

from-theory-to-design-the-role-of-creativity-in-designing-experiments

From Theory to Design: The Role of Creativity in Designing Experiments

Source: Laboratories of Gary Lewandowski, Dave Strohmetz, and Natalie Ciarocco&#8212;Monmouth University

Research studies come into being when a ...

Apply scientific practices to plan and conduct descriptive, comparative, and experimental investigations, and use engineering practices to design solutions to problems

PHYS.1.B

guidelines-in-case-of-a-laboratory-emergency

Guidelines in Case of a Laboratory Emergency

Robert M. Rioux &amp; Zhifeng Chen, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
The most common laboratory emergencies include chemical spills, ...

electrical-safety-precautions-and-basic-equipment

Electrical Safety Precautions and Basic Equipment

Source: Ali Bazzi, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
Electric machines and power electronics experiments ...

Electrical Safety

Robert M. Rioux &amp; Suprita Jharimune, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Among the many hazards present in the laboratory, electrical ...

Emergency Eyewash and Shower Stations

Robert M. Rioux, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that an emergency ...

Use appropriate safety equipment and practices during laboratory, classroom, and field investigations as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards

PHYS.1.C

Common Lab Glassware and Uses

Source: Laboratory of Dr. Neal Abrams &#8212; SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Glassware is a regular appearance in the professional ...

Lab Techniques

Source: Smaa Koraym at Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA

	Determining the Density of an EggExpand
	Density is a measure of how compact a substance or ...

Scientific Measurement and Lab Skills

Source: Smaa Koraym at Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA

	Measuring Diameter and CircumferenceExpand
	Error can be introduced in any experiment, even ...

Cleaning Glassware

Source: Vy M. Dong and Daniel Kim, Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA
Organic synthesis is about transforming a readily ...

Proper Lab Notebook Keeping

Source: Lara Al Hariri and Ahmed Basabrain at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA

	Nitration of Methyl BenzoateExpand
	From this lab onward, ...

sample-preparation-for-analytical-characterization

Sample Preparation for Analytical Characterization

Source: Laboratory of Dr. B. Jill Venton - University of Virginia
Sample preparation is the way in which&#160;a sample is treated to prepare&#160;for ...

Making Solutions in the Laboratory

The ability to successfully make solutions is a basic laboratory skill performed in virtually all biological and chemical experiments.  A solution is a ...

Use appropriate tools such as balances, ballistic carts or equivalent, batteries, computers, constant velocity cars, convex lenses, copper wire, discharge tubes with power supply (H, He, Ne, Ar), data acquisition probes and software, dynamics and force demonstration equipment, electrostatic generators, electrostatic kits, friction blocks, graph paper, graphing technology, hand-held visual spectroscopes, inclined planes, iron filings, lab masses, laser pointers, magnets, magnetic compasses, metric rulers, motion detectors, multimeters (current, voltage, resistance), optics bench, optics kit, photogates, plane mirrors, prisms, protractors, pulleys, resistors, rope or string, scientific calculators, stopwatches, springs, spring scales, switches, tuning forks, wave generators, or other equipment and materials that will produce the same results.

PHYS.1.D

Units and Standards of Measurement

A physical quantity is defined either by specifying its measurement method or by stating how it is calculated from other measurements. For example, ...

International System of Units

The International System of Units, known as the SI system, is a universally accepted measurement system recognized and used worldwide. The SI system is ...

Base Quantities and Derived Quantities

In any system of units, the units for some physical quantities must be specified through a measurement process. These measurements are the base quantities ...

How Data are Classified: Numerical Data

Data that are countable or measurable in specific units are called numerical or quantitative data. Quantitative data are always numbers. Quantitative data ...

Quantitative Analysis

Quantitative analysis is a technique for measuring the amount of specific constituents in a sample. When the sample&#39;s composition is unknown, ...

Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative analysis is the process of identifying elements, ions, or compounds in an unknown sample. It is the first and most fundamental type of ...

Collect quantitative data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative data as evidence

PHYS.1.E

Review and Preview

Data are individual items of information obtained from a population or sample. Data may be classified as qualitative (categorical), quantitative ...

Ogive Graph

An ogive graph is sometimes called a cumulative frequency polygon. It is one type of frequency polygon that shows cumulative frequency. In other words, ...

Histogram

The histogram is a graphical representation in the x-y form of data distribution in a data set. The horizontal x-axis is labeled with what the data ...

Relative Frequency Histogram

The relative frequency depicts the proportion of data points that have each value. The frequency tells the number of data points that have each value. ...

Scatter Plot

The most common and easiest way to display the relationship between two variables, x and y, is a scatter plot. A scatter plot shows the direction of a ...

Time-Series Graph

A time-series graph is a line graph with repeated measurements taken at successive intervals of time. It is also called a time series chart. To construct ...

Bar Graph

A bar graph is also called a bar chart and consists of bars that are separated from each other. It either uses horizontal or vertical bars to show ...

Multiple Bar Graph

As the name suggests, a multiple bar graph is the same as a bar graph but has multiple bars to depict relationships between different data values. One can ...

Pareto Chart

A Pareto chart is a bar graph or a combination of both line and bar graphs. The bar lengths represent the individual values or the frequency, while the ...

Pie Chart

A pie chart (or a pie graph) is a circular graphical chart or a pictorial representation of categorical data. It is divided into slices of pie each ...

Life Tables

A life table or a mortality table represents the survival patterns of a population.
It comprises multiple columns, each serving a practical purpose, ...

Contingency Table

A contingency table provides a way of portraying data that can facilitate calculating probabilities. It is a method of displaying a frequency distribution ...

Organize quantitative and qualitative data using bar charts, line graphs, scatter plots, data tables, labeled diagrams, and conceptual mathematical relationships

PHYS.1.F

Basic Concept

Engineering mechanics is a branch of engineering that studies motion and the forces acting on objects. It is a fundamental subject and forms the basis of ...

Problem Solving in Statics

Problem-solving in statics is a crucial aspect of engineering and physics that involves resolving issues associated with bodies in a state of equilibrium. ...

Free-body Diagrams: Problem Solving

Free-body diagrams are essential tools for physicists and engineers studying the motion of objects. Free-body diagrams are graphical representations of ...

Equilibrium and Free-body Diagrams

Source: Ketron Mitchell-Wynne, PhD, Asantha Cooray, PhD, Department of Physics &#38; Astronomy, School of Physical Sciences, University of California, ...

Mechanical Systems

In mechanical systems, springs, and masses are akin to the roles of inductors and capacitors in electrical networks, with the energy-dissipating function ...

Dynamics of Structures

Source:&#160;Roberto Leon, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
It is rare nowadays that a whole year goes by ...

conservation-of-energy-approach-to-system-analysis

Conservation of Energy Approach to System Analysis

Source: Ricardo Mejia-Alvarez and Hussam Hikmat Jabbar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
The purpose of ...

Stability of Equilibrium Configuration: Problem Solving

The stability of equilibrium configurations is an important concept in physics, engineering, and other related fields. In simple terms, it refers to the ...

Develop and use models to represent phenomena, systems, processes, or solutions to engineering problems

What is a Hypothesis?

A hypothesis can be a simple sentence or statement about a property or any phenomenon observed or predicted for a population. It is usually a claim about ...

Distinguish among scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws.

PHYS.1.H

Scientific and engineering practices. The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, asks questions, identifies problems, and plans and safely conducts classroom, laboratory, and field investigations to answer questions, explain phenomena, or design solutions using appropriate tools and models. The student is expected to:

Spring-Mass Motion and Energy Stability

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