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How does mass influence frequency?

What did he say?!

  • Mass and stiffness are factors that influence the natural frequency of a system

  • Mass is a measure of how heavy something is

Make your prediction:
Will the heavier system have a higher or lower frequency?

Lower frequency is the correct choice. As mass is increased the frequency decreases. Engineers might say there is an inverse relation.

Test your theory:

Compare the response of simple spring-mass systems with lighter and heavier mass with the same stiffness.

Click Here to Perform the Lighter Mass Experiment
LightWeightExample_IEfix.gif
Click Here to Perform the Heavier Mass Experiment
HeavyWeightExample_IEfix.gif

Show me!

Let me try!

See how mass influences the frequency of the glass.  Add a little bit of water to the glass.  Rub your finger around the rim.  Is the sound higher or lower in frequency?

Click "Next" to see more factors that influence frequency.

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