Investigation of undergraduate students conceptual understanding about simple harmonic motion on mass-spring system

Abstract

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is one of a primary physics topic that underlies other concepts and is closely related to everyday life and technology. It is used to understand the phenomena of mechanical motion, sound, light, and quantum theory, in particular, harmonic oscillators. This study aimed at investigating students' conceptual understanding of simple harmonic motion on the mass-spring system. Data collection was made using tests and interviews. The research subjects consisted of 49 students at a university in Jakarta. The instruments used were multiple-choice tasks. The results of the investigation showed that most students have not been able to name the basic concepts of simple harmonic motion, determine the magnitude of the acceleration of objects due to oscillation, and find the scope of the oscillation period. The results show that the average achievement of students is less than 50%. Lack of understanding of student conception is caused by students not being able to relate previous insights (such as Newton's law and Hooke's Law) with strategies for solving problems.