Amplitude of a mass joined to a spring in the presence of an E-field

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block of mass m with charge q connected to a spring on a smooth horizontal surface, subjected to a horizontal electric field E. The task is to determine the amplitude of simple harmonic motion (SHM) of the block when the electric field is activated.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of conservation of energy and the forces acting on the block. There is confusion regarding the use of the equation qE = kx for calculating amplitude, as some believe conservation of energy should be the primary method. Others question the completeness of the problem statement and the clarity of the situation described.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the problem statement and the appropriate equations to use. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conditions under which certain equations apply, particularly at extreme positions of the block.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that the problem statement may lack necessary details, and participants are encouraged to provide a clearer description. Questions about the specific meaning of "amplitude" in this context are also raised.

Shivang kohlii
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Homework Statement


A block of mass m having charge q placed on smooth horizontal table and is connected to a wall thorough an unstretched spring of constant k . A horizontal electric field E parallel to spring is switched on. Find the ampliture of the shm by the block.

Homework Equations


kx= qe
U of spring= 1/2kx[2][/SUP]

The Attempt at a Solution


Using conservation of energy and work done by field ,F = qEx
1/2kx^2 = qEx
X (amplitude ) = 2qE/x
But ans isn't this..
In answer directly the forces have been equated
qE = kx
.. I don't understand why has this equation been used to calculate amplitude when conservation of energy is used to calculate the maximum displacement of a body attached to spring when moved from equilibrium position in ?
 
Last edited:
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Your problem statement is very incomplete. Could you copy the exact wording ? The way it is formulated now the right answer could as well be the amplitude of the electric field: E !

Your conservation of energy equation is incomplete and F = qEx looks misleading.
 
BvU said:
Your problem statement is very incomplete. Could you copy the exact wording ? The way it is formulated now the right answer could as well be the amplitude of the electric field: E !

Your conservation of energy equation is incomplete and F = qEx looks misleading.

I don't understand how to write the conservation of energy equation for this case
 
BvU said:
Your problem statement is very incomplete. Could you copy the exact wording ? The way it is formulated now the right answer could as well be the amplitude of the electric field: E !
:smile: It is standard to minimize effort: if something is asked and something else is commented, you ignore the request and comment on the comment.
I realize you have difficulty with this exercise and I am trying to help.
Start with a clear problem description.
If you think you need energies, you should list some energy equations as well.

Is it clear to you what the situation is ? Do you have enough information ?
What is actually happening when E is switched on and what is asked of you (in particular: the amplitude of what?) ? Did you make a sketch ?
 
Shivang kohlii said:
In answer directly the forces have been equated
qE = kx
.. I don't understand why has this equation been used to calculate amplitude when conservation of energy is used to calculate the maximum displacement of a body attached to spring when moved from equilibrium position in ?
The problem has been correctly solved by equating ##qE=kx##.
This eqn applies only when the body is at the extreme positions, as then it has no acceleration ## (a)## there.
In all other positions in between, the eqn of motion is ##qE\pm ma=kx##.
 
What does Shivang have to say ?
 

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