Simple harmonic motion mass on a spring

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the principles of simple harmonic motion (SHM) as demonstrated by a mass attached to a spring. The equation governing the motion is derived from Newton's second law, expressed as ma = -mg - kx, leading to the conclusion that acceleration (a) is directly proportional to displacement (x) with the equation of motion m\ddot{x} + kx = 0. The restoring force from the spring and the constant force of gravity work together to create oscillatory motion, confirming that the system exhibits SHM characteristics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Basic knowledge of differential equations
  • Concept of oscillatory motion and equilibrium
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the equation of motion for a mass-spring system
  • Explore the concept of damping in oscillatory systems
  • Learn about the energy transformations in simple harmonic motion
  • Investigate the effects of varying mass and spring constants on SHM
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of oscillatory systems will benefit from this discussion.

saltrock
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A mass is on a spring is pulled down and released.Show thatit performs simple harmonic motion.

as the mass is pulled down and released restoring force pulls it upwards but as it reaches on the top extreme the gravity pulls it down n continuous to oscillate.but how does it prove that motion is SHM??we cannot see acceleration being proportional to the displacement
 
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What level of mathematics can you bring to bear?

We know that the total force acting on the mass is

F = -mg-kx

According to Newton this is

ma = -mg-kx

so a = -g - (k/m) x

Does not this show that acceleration is directly proportional to displacement?
 
Write the 'equation of motion' of a mass attached to a spring and displaced from equilibrium.

The weight of force of gravity is a constant force which simply displaces the spring from is equilibrium position when there is no mass.

Remember something like - [tex]m\ddot{x}\,+\,k\,x\,=0[/tex]
 

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