- #1
Cogswell
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Homework Statement
Consider the classical system of a mass of one kg attacked to the ceiling with a spring constant k=50N/m.
The mass is held at rest such that the spring hangs vertically but is not extended. The mass is then released and falls under gravity. Neglect air resistance.
1. What is the maximum extension of the spring?
2. What is the maximum speed of the mass?
3. What is the frequency of oscillation of the mass?
Homework Equations
Undamped, undriven oscillator:
## \ddot{x} = -kx ##
## x(t) = B_1 \cos (\omega t) + B_2 \sin (\omega t) ##
## t = 2 \pi \sqrt{\dfrac{m}{k}} ##
The Attempt at a Solution
1. For the first one, I used the fact that:
## F = mg ##
## F = -kx ##
## mg = -kx ##
## x = -\dfrac{mg}{k} ##
2. I don't quite know how to do this.
I think the maximum velocity is when it's going downwards, at its equilibrium position, but I don't really know how to find it...
3. f = 1/t
## t = 2 \pi \sqrt{\dfrac{m}{k}} ##
## f = \dfrac{1}{2 \pi \sqrt{\dfrac{m}{k}}} ##
Is 1 and 3 right, and can someone help me with 2?