Topics

Forces on an inclined plane, Hooke's law, static friction, kinetic friction, and oscillatory motion.

Description

This simulation shows a block attached to a spring on an inclined plane. Students can vary the initial velocity, angle, spring constant, length of the incline, and both the static and kinetic coefficients of friction to investigate when the block remains at rest, when it begins to slip, and when it oscillates.

Sample Learning Goals

1. Explain why the block can remain at rest even when gravity and the spring both act along the slope.
2. Predict when slipping begins by comparing the parallel driving force with the maximum static friction.
3. Relate the motion graphs to the changing force on the block.
4. Describe how changing angle, friction, and spring constant affects the motion.

Suggested Activities

1. Set the block at rest and increase the angle slowly. Predict the moment when the block will start to slip.
2. Keep the angle fixed and increase the static friction. Explain why the block can remain stationary.
3. Set friction close to zero and displace the block. Observe when the motion looks closest to oscillation.
4. Turn on the graphs and connect the world view to the force, displacement, and velocity plots.

Version

1. Original blog post and credits