boardbox
Nov4-09, 02:24 AM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
I have a vertical hoop of radius R. A spring with spring constant k and relaxed length 0 is attached to the top of the hoop. A block of mass m is attached to the spring and dropped. Assuming the motion is a linear vertical oscillation between the top and bottom of the hoop, what is k?
2. Relevant equations
Spring force = -kx
Potential = -Integral(force) from a reference point to x
E = KE + PE
3. The attempt at a solution
Set x = 0 to the bottom of the hoop and let x positive point up.
This gives me F = -kx + 2Rk for the force exerted by the spring on my mass.
This gives me a spring potential:
V(x) = .5kx2 - 2Rkx + 2R2k
Gives me energy:
E = .5mv2 + V(x) + mgx
I know that x(0) = 2R and v(0) = 0, so I have an initial energy in terms of known variables but I can't think of anything to compare it with. I've written out the equation of motion for the mass to try to find some other functional x(t), v(t) values, but I'd like to know if there's some simpler method of solution that I'm just missing.
Looking for a value for k.
I have a vertical hoop of radius R. A spring with spring constant k and relaxed length 0 is attached to the top of the hoop. A block of mass m is attached to the spring and dropped. Assuming the motion is a linear vertical oscillation between the top and bottom of the hoop, what is k?
2. Relevant equations
Spring force = -kx
Potential = -Integral(force) from a reference point to x
E = KE + PE
3. The attempt at a solution
Set x = 0 to the bottom of the hoop and let x positive point up.
This gives me F = -kx + 2Rk for the force exerted by the spring on my mass.
This gives me a spring potential:
V(x) = .5kx2 - 2Rkx + 2R2k
Gives me energy:
E = .5mv2 + V(x) + mgx
I know that x(0) = 2R and v(0) = 0, so I have an initial energy in terms of known variables but I can't think of anything to compare it with. I've written out the equation of motion for the mass to try to find some other functional x(t), v(t) values, but I'd like to know if there's some simpler method of solution that I'm just missing.
Looking for a value for k.