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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Libbrecht, Kenneth G.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2026
Subjects:
Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.28647
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Table of Contents:
  • We describe a magnetically driven torsional oscillator that is well suited for teaching the physics of simple harmonic motion using a collection of hands-on, quantitative experiments. The mechanical Q of the system can be tuned using eddy-current damping, while optical read-outs provide electronic signals than can be recorded using nothing more than a basic digital oscilloscope. The 40-Hz oscillator is described by simple harmonic motion to high accuracy, providing many satisfying comparisons between theory and experiment.