A simple mechanical model for the isotropic harmonic oscillator

Author: Nita Gelu M  

Publisher: IOP Publishing

ISSN: 0143-0807

Source: European Journal of Physics, Vol.31, Iss.5, 2010-09, pp. : 1031-1035

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Abstract

A constrained elastic pendulum is proposed as a simple mechanical model for the isotropic harmonic oscillator. The conceptual and mathematical simplicity of this model recommends it as an effective pedagogical tool in teaching basic physics concepts at advanced high school and introductory undergraduate course levels.