Electromagnetically Coupled Harmonic Oscillators
Purpose
Demonstrates electromagnetic coupling between two spring-mass oscillators via Faraday induction. Students observe energy transfer through induced currents, phase relationships that depend on coil wiring sense, and rapid electromagnetic damping when the coupling polarity is reversed mid-oscillation.
Figure 1:
Two identical spring-magnet oscillators with copper solenoid coils, connected in series through the central switch board that allows polarity reversal to demonstrate in-phase, out-of-phase, and damped coupling.