Calculating Maximum Speed and Spring Constant in Simple Harmonic Motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum speed and spring constant of a mass-spring system in simple harmonic motion. The object has a mass of 1 kg and is initially stretched by 0.1 m, with a period of 0.5 seconds before returning to rest. Key equations include T = 2π(m/k)^(1/2) for the period and v(t) = -ω sin(ωt + phase constant) for velocity, where ω = 2π/T. The maximum speed can be determined using the formula vmax = -Aw, where A is the amplitude.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion principles
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion for oscillating systems
  • Knowledge of angular frequency (ω) and its relationship to spring constant (k) and mass (m)
  • Ability to differentiate functions to find velocity in harmonic motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the spring constant (k) using the relationship k = m(2π/T)²
  • Explore the derivation of maximum speed in simple harmonic motion
  • Investigate the concept of mechanical energy in oscillating systems
  • Learn about the effects of damping on simple harmonic motion
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and oscillatory motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to simple harmonic motion.

Flatshoe
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Homework Statement


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A 1 kg object is connected to a horizontal massless spring. The spring is initially stretched by 0.1m and the object is released from rest there. It proceeds to move without friction. The next time the speed of the object is 0 is 0.5s later.

Determine the maximum speed of the object, the spring constant, and the mechanical energy of the system.


Homework Equations



T = 2pi(m/k)^1/2

v(t) = -wx sin(wt + phase constant)

w = 2pi/T

The Attempt at a Solution


Hmm I don't really know where to start with finding the max velocity to be honest. Probably with the second formula I posted, but I'd have to find w first, and I don't know how to find that without T (period) or frequency.
 
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Flatshoe said:
Hmm I don't really know where to start with finding the max velocity to be honest. Probably with the second formula I posted, but I'd have to find w first, and I don't know how to find that without T (period) or frequency.

The equation for a simple harmonic oscillator is

x(t) = Acos(\omega t + \phi)

Where

\omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}

You should also know that

f = \frac{1}{2\pi}\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}
T = \frac{1}{f}Everything I wrote above is probably given in your textbook.
 
Je m'appelle said:
The equation for a simple harmonic oscillator is

x(t) = Acos(\omega t + \phi)

Where

\omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}

You should also know that

f = \frac{1}{2\pi}\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}



T = \frac{1}{f}


Everything I wrote above is probably given in your textbook.
My book says that the velocity for a simple harmonic motion is the derivative of the x(t) = Acos(\omega t + \phi)

Also, I still don't know where to start as such
 
max velocity can only be obtained when sin(wt + phase constant) is equal to 1.

that should get you started.

Also think about the position of the object when the speed is equal to 0 and how long it takes to get there. That should help you find the period as well.
 
OK so I figured that displacement x(t) = A cos (wt)

You know A = .1 m

Solving for w, you can find max speed from vmax = -Aw

But in the equation displacement x(t) = A cos (wt), what are the values for t and x?
 

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