Calculating Maximum Speed and Spring Constant in Simple Harmonic Motion

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 1 kg object attached to a massless spring, initially stretched and released from rest. The discussion centers on calculating the maximum speed, spring constant, and mechanical energy of the system, all within the context of simple harmonic motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between angular frequency, period, and maximum velocity. There are attempts to derive formulas and clarify concepts related to simple harmonic motion, including the use of displacement equations and the conditions for maximum speed.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various equations and concepts related to simple harmonic motion. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conditions for maximum velocity and the relationship between displacement and time, but no consensus has been reached on the specific calculations or methods to proceed.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about initial conditions and the values needed for time and displacement in the equations. There is also mention of textbook references, indicating that some foundational knowledge may be assumed but not fully articulated in the thread.

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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