Amount of time for a half period to occur

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a mass-spring system undergoing simple harmonic motion, with given values for the spring constant and mass. The original poster seeks to determine the time it takes for the mass to move from its maximum displacement to the equilibrium position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of one cycle in simple harmonic motion and the relationship between amplitude and time. There are attempts to clarify the motion of the mass and its position at various points in time, including suggestions to sketch the position function.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and clarifying concepts related to the motion of the mass. Some guidance has been offered regarding the equations of motion, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach to find the time for the specified motion.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the definitions and relationships between variables such as amplitude and time period. Participants are also expressing fatigue from studying, which may affect their clarity of thought.

Capncanada
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Homework Statement



A mass-spring system has k = 105 N/m and m = 1.75 kg.

If it is undergoing simple harmonic motion, how much time does it take the mass to go from x = A to x = 0?

Homework Equations



T=2pi*sqrt(m/k)

The Attempt at a Solution



Tried plugging in the values for the equation I gave to find T, then cutting it in half to find the amount of time the question asked for, but it's not the correct answer.
 
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What exactly is one cycle? If you understand that, you'll see why your answer is wrong. It may help to look at a diagram that shows one period in your textbook.
 
When the mass goes into the spring and back?
 
Sketch the x(t) function for a full period and see.

ehild
 
Capncanada said:
When the mass goes into the spring and back?
Yes. So in one cycle, if it starts at x(0)=A, it ends at x(T)=A, but more important, what does x(t) do in between? As ehild suggested, plot x(t) for one cycle.
 
Who's A and can you link it to T ? EDIT: So A's the amplitude...
 
Last edited:
Uhh x goes to A? Which equation can I use to solve for that? x=Acos(ωt)?

Sorry I'm braindead been studying all morning I just want this homework done.
 
Capncanada said:
Which equation can I use to solve for that? x=Acos(ωt)?

Yes. x = A cos (2pi* t/T). How does it look like? What is x at t=0, t=T/8, T/4, ...

ehild
 
So I can plug in x as A so that A cancels out here and then solve for t where T = 1/2?
 
  • #10
Capncanada said:
So I can plug in x as A so that A cancels out here and then solve for t where T = 1/2?

Is T=1/2??


Would you please show me a cosine function? Please!

ehild
 

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