Calculating Amplitude and Acceleration in Harmonic Motion - Physics Homework

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a spring-mass system undergoing harmonic motion, with specific parameters such as mass, frequency, and observed velocity at a given position. The original poster seeks to determine the amplitude of the oscillation and the acceleration at a specific height above the equilibrium position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the amplitude using the harmonic motion equation but encounters difficulties due to missing time information. They also explore using energy equations but find the results unsatisfactory. Some participants question the relationship between period and time in the context of the equations provided.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering insights into the relationships between variables and clarifying concepts like angular frequency and time. There is a focus on understanding how to manipulate the equations given the unknowns.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes potential language barriers in translating the problem, which may affect clarity. There is also an acknowledgment of the complexity of the motion, as the velocity is not constant.

johan146

Homework Statement


A spring holds a weight of 800 g. The spring is set in a harmonious swing. The frequency f for the oscillation is 1.4 Hz. When the weight is 5 cm above the equilibrium position on the way upwards, a velocity of 1.1 m / s is noted
a) Determine the amplitude of the movement.
b) What is the acceleration when the weight is 2 cm above the equilibrium?

Homework Equations


Y=A⋅sinωt
f = 1/T
MV^2/2 + kY^2/2=kA^2/2

The Attempt at a Solution


I first attempted to calculate the amplitude of the movement by using the first equation but since i didn't have the time of the spring i crossed over that calculation, i latet tried using the 2 later equations together but i never managed to get a resonable result from my calculation

The English in the question might be a bit wrong, not my mother tongue so i had to translate the question from Swedish so bare with me :)
Any help is appreciated! Thanks in advance
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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johan146 said:
frequency f for the oscillation is 1.4 Hz ... f = 1/T

johan146 said:
but since i didn't have the time of the swing
What does this say about the period (time of the swing)?
 
By now you may have solved your problem but if not...
consider 0.5 = Asin(wt) and 1.1 = wAcos(wt)
 
barryj said:
By now you may have solved your problem but if not...
consider 0.5 = Asin(wt) and 1.1 = wAcos(wt)
Does t in these equations equal the period T?
 
johan146 said:
Does t in these equations equal the period T?
No, ##t## is the time elapsed. ##w## is the angular frequency, which does relate to the period by ##w=2\pi/T##.
 
NFuller said:
No, ##t## is the time elapsed. ##w## is the angular frequency, which does relate to the period by ##w=2\pi/T##.
Oh okey, but how to you find out what t is in this case? I assume that the velocity is not constant so we can't use S = Vt
 
Check my post above. Two equations, two unknowns. Enter what you know and solve.
 
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