How to use the Mass and Spring Tool

Setting Initial Conditions

• Click the mouse on the phase plane to set the initial position and the initial velocity.
• Click the mouse on the time series graph to set the initial position (initial velocity defaults to zero).

Parameter Sliders

• Use the sliders to set the value of the damping constants b, m, and k. The dashpot will disappear when b is set to zero.
• Press the mouse down for the parameter you want to change, and drag the mouse back and forth to change it, or click the mouse in the slider channel at the desired value for the parameter.

Time Series Buttons

• The buttons labeled
  [Position]
  [Velocity]
  turn the time series graphs on and off.

Other Buttons

• [Clear] removes all trajectories from the graphs.
• [Pause] stops a trajectory without canceling it.
• [Continue] resumes the motion of a paused trajectory.
• [Draw Field] draws a slope field over the graphing plane.