Answer the following questions related to the oscillations of a horizontal mass–spring system.
(i) What is meant by the natural frequency of an oscillating system?
(ii) Explain qualitatively how the time period of a mass–spring system is affected when the attached mass is increased while the spring constant remains unchanged.
(iii) Without performing a detailed calculation, state how the frequency of oscillation will change if the spring constant is made nine times larger while the mass is kept the same. Give reasoning for your answer.
(iv) Does the amplitude of oscillation influence the time period of a mass–spring system? Give a reason for your answer.