Question

Which factors can most directly affect the motion of a spring? Check all that apply.

the color of the spring
the stiffness of the spring
the mass of the spring itself
the force applied to the spring
the distance the spring is stretched

Answer 1

Correct choices:
- the stiffness of the spring — (spring constant k sets how strong the restoring force is and determines the oscillation frequency)
- the mass of the spring itself — (if the spring has non‑negligible mass it changes the system's effective mass and thus the motion/frequency)
- the force applied to the spring — (external forces determine acceleration and equilibrium position; driving forces change the motion)
- the distance the spring is stretched — (initial displacement sets the oscillation amplitude and stored energy)

Not a factor:
- the color of the spring — (color does not affect mechanical motion).