Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A mass-spring system is a physical system consisting of a mass attached to a spring. It exhibits simple harmonic motion when displaced from its equilibrium position.
Related terms
Equilibrium Position: The equilibrium position in a mass-spring system is where there is no net force acting on the mass, resulting in zero acceleration.
Hooke's Law states that within elastic limits, the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to its displacement from its equilibrium position.
Periodic Motion: Periodic motion refers to any motion that repeats itself after regular intervals of time.