Explore the Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators
Drag masses on springs, excite each normal mode and see how every motion is a mix of modes. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators?
Drag masses on springs, excite each normal mode and see how every motion is a mix of modes. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Engineers study normal modes to stop bridges and buildings from resonating.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Each normal mode has one frequency and a fixed shape.
Any motion is a sum of normal modes.
Higher modes have more nodes and higher frequency.
Excite mode 1, then mode 3.
Pull a single mass and watch the energy bars.
Change to 7 masses.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Physics learners
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Pull a single mass and watch the energy bars. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is a normal mode?
A pattern of motion in which all parts move at the same frequency.
Why are normal modes important?
They split a complicated vibration into simple parts, used for bridges, molecules and musical instruments.
Is the Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators free to use?
Yes. The Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Physics group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 3 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators?
1. In the Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators, use the controls to change Masses, Excite a mode, Damping. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators, pick an option such as 3 masses, 5 masses, 7 masses to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators, press "Stop motion" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Excite mode 1, then mode 3. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Each normal mode has one frequency and a fixed shape.
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Try the Normal Modes: Coupled Oscillators now
Drag masses on springs, excite each normal mode and see how every motion is a mix of. Free to use.
Try it free