A mass oscillating at the end of a spring

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mass oscillating at the end of a spring, specifically focusing on the dynamics of the system including acceleration, maximum speed, and the position of maximum speed. The subject area includes concepts from mechanics and oscillatory motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the acceleration at a specific displacement and seeks clarification on the maximum speed and its corresponding position. Some participants question the accuracy of the spring constant used in the calculations, while others point out potential errors in the original poster's approach to the forces acting on the mass.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's calculations and questioning the assumptions made. There is an indication of productive engagement as participants seek to clarify the problem statement and the forces involved.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be confusion regarding the spring constant, with discrepancies noted between the original poster's value and the correct value stated in the thread. Additionally, the original poster is uncertain about the equations to use for calculating maximum speed.

Trinity Nicole
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1. A 250-g object hangs from a spring and oscillates with an amplitude of 5.42 cm. The spring constant is 4.80 N/m.
a) What is the acceleration of the object when the displacement is 4.27 cm [down]?
I put:
m=0.25 kg
d=0.0542 m
k=48 N/m
x=0.0427m
Therefore:
F=kx which leads to a=kx/m
a=(48 N/m)(0.0427 m)/0.25 kg
a=8.10 m/s^2 [up]
b) What is the maximum speed of the object?
I put:
m=0.25 kg
d=0.0542 m
k=48 N/m
x=0.0427m
a=8.10 m/s^2 [up] (I think)
Not sure which equation to use...
c) At what position will the maximum speed occur?
I'd need B to know this, please help me out.
Thanks in advance!
 
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Trinity Nicole said:
k=48 N/m

It looks like you have a typo there -- can you re-check the problem statement? :smile:
 
berkeman said:
It looks like you have a typo there -- can you re-check the problem statement? :smile:
i'm sorry, what is my typo?
 
Trinity Nicole said:
The spring constant is 4.80 N/m.

Trinity Nicole said:
k=48 N/m

:smile:
 
There is another error in the OP solution to a).
In the equation F=ma, F is the net of all forces in the direction of the acceleration. What are all the forces acting on the mass?
 

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