Calculating Maximum Speed and Spring Constant in Simple Harmonic Motion

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To calculate the maximum speed and spring constant of a 1 kg object connected to a spring, the object is released from an initial stretch of 0.1 m and reaches a speed of 0 after 0.5 seconds. The relevant equations for simple harmonic motion include the period T, angular frequency ω, and the displacement x(t) = A cos(ωt + φ). The maximum speed can be derived from the equation vmax = -Aw, where A is the amplitude and ω is related to the spring constant k and mass m. To find the period and subsequently the spring constant, the time taken for the object to return to a speed of 0 must be considered, as it relates to the oscillation frequency.
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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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