A mass hangs on a spring held in a physicist's hand. When the mass is pulled down and then released, it oscillates with a period of 2.0 s. This system is taken to the Moon, where the acceleration of gravity is less. The spring on the Moon is held in an astronaut's hand, and the mass, when pulled down and released, will
A) oscillate with a longer period.
B) oscillate with an unchanged period.
C) oscillate with a shorter period.
D) not oscillate at all.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The period of oscillation of a mass on a spring is determined by the mass and the spring constant, not by the acceleration due to gravity. Therefore, taking the system to the Moon, where gravity is weaker, does not change the period of oscillation.

A Mass Hangs on a Spring Held in a Physicist's