Springs and Oscillations: The Physics of Bouncing Motion

A spring stretches or compresses when a force is applied, then snaps back to its original shape.
This back-and-forth motion is called oscillation, a classic example of simple harmonic motion.
The restoring force in a spring follows Hooke’s Law: force = spring constant × displacement.
A stiffer spring (high spring constant) resists stretching and oscillates faster.
A looser spring (low spring constant) is easier to stretch and oscillates more slowly.
The mass attached to a spring affects its period—heavier masses make slower oscillations.
Energy shifts between kinetic energy (motion) and potential energy (stored in the spring).
Oscillating springs appear in trampolines, car suspensions, and pogo sticks.
Damping (friction or air resistance) gradually reduces the oscillations until the motion stops.
From toys to engineering, springs and oscillations turn stored energy into rhythmic, useful motion.