Calculating Simple Harmonic Motion for a Mass on a Spring - Homework Example

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating various parameters of simple harmonic motion for a mass on a spring, specifically using given values for spring constant, mass, and amplitude. Participants are tasked with determining displacement, time period, maximum velocity, and maximum acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial confusion regarding the application of formulas for displacement and angular frequency. There is an exploration of the relationship between time period, angular frequency, and the spring constant.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered clarifications on the definitions of time period and angular frequency, suggesting that understanding these concepts is crucial for progressing with the problem. There is acknowledgment of the need to derive relationships from basic principles, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes that this is their first lesson on simple harmonic motion, which may contribute to the confusion regarding the equations and concepts involved.

ibysaiyan
Messages
441
Reaction score
0
1. Homework Statement [/b]
1)For a mass on a spring,using k=10N/m,m=1kg and amplitude =0.1m.calculate the following:
*The displacement 0.2s after release.
*The Time-period of oscillation.
*The max. Velocity.
*The max acceleration.



Homework Equations



x=Acos[tex]\varpi[/tex]t (for displacement),maxvelocity=-A[tex]\varpi[/tex]sin[tex]\varpi/tex]t<br /> <h2>The Attempt at a Solution</h2><br /> <br /> well.. i am stuck at it right from the first bit..<br /> do i first fill in the value of timeperiod =0.2 in the equation and isn't omega= 2pie/T<br /> so I am kinda confused . =/<br /> Thanks for helping me in advance ;) .[/tex]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ibysaiyan said:
well.. i am stuck at it right from the first bit..
do i first fill in the value of timeperiod =0.2 in the equation and isn't omega= 2pie/T
so I am kinda confused . =/

The period that they are referring to here is the time taken for the oscillatory system to complete one oscillation cycle, and not the time elapsed. You will have to use a formula linking [tex]\omega[/tex] with the spring constant k and mass m of the spring-mass system.
[tex]\omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}[/tex]
I strongly recommend that you look up a text or attempt to derive this relation yourself from the basic principles of the SHM system.
The rest of the question should naturally follow once this is cleared, I assume?
 
So you have the equation x = A cos(ωt). Can you find values for A and ω based on the numbers that you have?
 
Thanks a lot FighFish,kuruman. i will look forwad to it :), yea now i get it, what i was missing.. https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/23/2348362-1.png and yea.. its my first lesson on shm so yea i get it.. :)
Thanks again
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
996
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
7K