PURPOSE: To show the normal modes for a mechanical system comprised of two masses connected by springs.
DESCRIPTION: The airtrack has a system of two gliders connected by springs as shown in the above photo. The system is sent into oscillation by hand. Each mode of oscillation can be shown by applying the motion.
EQUIPMENT: Airtrack, two large gliders (the red and gold ones), two long airtrack springs, the spring from the coupled pendulums as photographed.
SETUP NOTES: Practice. Note that we should measure these mode frrequencies and use the driver to oscillate them.
Updated by Jun Qi in 3/24/2000