Acceleration due to gravity on planet

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the acceleration due to gravity on Planet X using a mass-spring system. The original poster describes an experimental setup involving a mass, a spring, and measurements of oscillations, but expresses uncertainty about their calculations and results.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the original poster's equation for gravity and question its derivation. There are suggestions to consider the fundamental principles of mass-spring systems, including the relationship between force and displacement. Additionally, a separate problem about oscillation frequency and amplitude is introduced, with participants exploring the relevant equations for amplitude determination.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning the original poster's approach and providing insights into the physics of oscillation. There is an exploration of different interpretations regarding the equations involved, particularly in the context of the mass-spring system and the new problem presented.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's calculations for gravity appear to be based on assumptions that may not align with the principles of oscillatory motion. The second problem introduces additional complexity, as participants navigate the relationship between velocity and amplitude in harmonic motion.

yo_man
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On your first trip to Planet X you happen to take along a 150 g mass, a 40-cm-long spring, a meter stick, and a stopwatch. You're curious about the acceleration due to gravity on Planet X, where ordinary tasks seem easier than on earth, but you can't find this information in your Visitor's Guide. One night you suspend the spring from the ceiling in your room and hang the mass from it. You find that the mass stretches the spring by 30.4 cm. You then pull the mass down 10.3 cm and release it. With the stopwatch you find that 9.00 oscillations take 18.1 s.

I tried g on planet X = 0.304m((2pi(9/18.1))^2)/0.103) = 28.8

But, it's not right. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong
 
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How did you come to that equation?

I think you need a differential equation mass-spring system and the basic equation: F=kx.
 
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You then pull the mass down 10.3 cm and release it
Period of oscillation does not depend upon how much you pull it down before you release it.
 
different problem

okay, I have a question about a different problem

A 150 g mass attached to a horizontal spring oscillates at a frequency of 1.60 Hz. At t =0, the mass is at x= 5.40 cm and has v_x =- 17.0 cm/s. Determine: the amplitude and the phase constant.

I have already figured out the period and angular frequency to be 0.625 s and 10.053 rad/s, respectively.

I'm confused about how you find amplitude though? I'm not sure which equations to apply. note that vx is not equal to v max, so that's why I'm confused.
 
Oscillation of a horizontal spring is given by x = Asin(wt + phi) and velocity of the mass is given by dx/dt = Awcos(wt + phi). Substitue the values and find the amplitude and the phase.
 
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