Coupled Oscillations

Force Constants

Animation shows two blocks of equal mass connected to rigid supports by stiff springs (white). The two masses are also connected by a weak spring (red) to each other. Initially the right mass is drawn to the right holding the left mass at its equilibrium position. Pressing start button releases this mass and the oscillations begin. It is interesting to observe the transfer of energy from one mass to the other through the coupling provided by the red spring. The transfer is faster when the spring constant of the red spring is greater.
The graphs at the bottom show the variation of position of the masses with time.