Solving Oscillation Question: Mass, Spring Constant & Frequency

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In summary, the conversation is about a block-spring system with a mass of m and a frequency of 1.2Hz. When 50g is added, the frequency changes to 0.9Hz. The goal is to find the values for the mass and spring constant. The equation T = 2pi/w = 2pi sqrt(m/k) is suggested as a starting point, and the individual is encouraged to use examples in their textbook and take an educated guess on how to solve the problem.
  • #1
gr3g1
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I have no idea how to approach this question... Here it is:

With a block of mass m, the frequency of a block-spring system is 1.2Hz. When 50g is added, the frequency changes to: 0.9Hz Whats the mass and spring constant?

I know i have to use: T = 2pi/w = 2pi sqrt(m/k)


Thanks a lot in advanced!
 
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  • #2
You need to give this a try before we can help.. You probably want to reread this https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=94379 to learn what is expected of a homework questioner.
To get you started, try and determine what the variables in your equation refer to..

[tex]
\tau = \frac{2\pi}{\omega} = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}
[/tex]

hint: you would do well to invert your expression (see ref for simple harmonic motion)
 
Last edited:
  • #3
With your given information and using examples in your textbook, take an educated guess on how you might solve this. Once we see that you are trying, we can proceed to steer you in a successful direction.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the frequency of an oscillation?

The formula for calculating the frequency of an oscillation is f = 1/T, where f is the frequency and T is the period of the oscillation.

2. How do mass and spring constant affect the frequency of an oscillation?

The frequency of an oscillation is directly proportional to the square root of the spring constant and inversely proportional to the square root of the mass. This means that as the spring constant increases, the frequency also increases, and as the mass increases, the frequency decreases.

3. Can the frequency of an oscillation be changed by altering the mass or spring constant?

Yes, the frequency of an oscillation can be changed by altering the mass or spring constant. Increasing the mass will decrease the frequency, while increasing the spring constant will increase the frequency.

4. How do you find the mass of an object in an oscillation question?

To find the mass of an object in an oscillation question, you can use the formula m = (kT^2)/(4π^2), where m is the mass, k is the spring constant, and T is the period of the oscillation.

5. What is the relationship between the period and frequency of an oscillation?

The period and frequency of an oscillation have an inverse relationship. This means that as the frequency increases, the period decreases, and vice versa. They are related by the formula T = 1/f, where T is the period and f is the frequency.

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