Manually driven harmonic oscillator

Abstract

Oscillations and resonance are essential topics in physics that can be explored theoretically and experimentally in the classroom or teaching laboratory environments. However, one of the main challenges concerning the experimental study of resonance phenomena via forced oscillations is the control of the oscillation frequency, which demands an electronic circuit or a fine tuned coupled mechanical system. In this work, we demonstrate that, in what concerns the physics teaching, such demanding accessories are not necessary. The forced oscillations can be implemented by the teacher's hand guided by an oscillating circle displayed in a web application loaded in a smartphone. The oscillations are applied to an ordinary spiral toy. Qualitative, as well quantitative, proposals are explored in this work with excellent results.