Deriving SHM: Help Needed for Challenging Problem in Textbook

In summary, the problem in the textbook involves deriving the harmonic oscillator differential equation for a system consisting of a block of mass m attached to a horizontal spring with force constant k and negligible mass. The block is placed on a horizontal board with coefficients of static and kinetic friction μs and μk, respectively. The board moves at a constant speed v to the right and the block spends most of its time sticking to the board and moving to the right. The question asks to derive the differential equation for the system and the relevant equations are F=ma, F(sp)=-kx, and E=K+U. The solution involves calculating the total force acting on the block as a function of its position while it is sliding to the left.
  • #1
tonykoh1116
5
0
This is actually the problem in the textbook.
I'm trying to derive the harmonic oscillator differential equation for this system, but It seems like it's very very challenging.

could anyone help me out?

Following is the question and figure from the textbook.







Homework Statement



A block of mass m is attached to a fixed support by a horizontal spring with force constant k and negligible mass. The block sits on a long horizontal board, with which it has coefficient of static friction μs and a smaller coefficient of kinetic friction μk. The board moves to the right at constant speed v. Assume the block spends most of its time sticking to the board and moving to the right, so the speed v is small in comparison to the average speed the blok has as it slips back toward the left.
Derive the harmonic oscillator differential equation for the system.





Homework Equations



F=ma
F(sp)=-kx
E=K+U


The Attempt at a Solution




I couldn't figure out.



( The figure has a copyright from the textbook).
I will delete this post if it could cause the copyright problem.
 

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  • #2
Your differential equation is relevant when the block moves to the left. It is sliding (with friction) and accelerated by the spring. Can you calculate the total force which acts on the block as function of its position?
 

1. What is SHM and why is it important?

SHM stands for Simple Harmonic Motion, and it is an important concept in physics and engineering. It describes the motion of a system that oscillates back and forth around a stable equilibrium point, such as a pendulum or a spring. SHM is important because it can be used to model and understand many real-world phenomena, from the motion of planets to the vibration of guitar strings.

2. How do you derive SHM from the given problem in the textbook?

The derivation of SHM involves first identifying the forces acting on the system and then using Newton's laws of motion to write down the equation of motion. In the case of a spring-mass system, the force of the spring is proportional to the displacement of the mass from its equilibrium position. This leads to a second-order differential equation, which can be solved to find the equation of motion for SHM.

3. What are the key equations used in deriving SHM?

The key equations used in deriving SHM are Hooke's law, which relates the force of a spring to its displacement, and Newton's second law of motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it. These equations are combined to form a second-order differential equation that describes the motion of the system.

4. What are the assumptions made in deriving SHM?

In order to derive SHM, we make several simplifying assumptions. These include assuming that the system is in a frictionless environment, that the mass of the object is concentrated at a single point, and that the restoring force of the spring is directly proportional to the displacement of the mass. These assumptions allow us to create a simplified model of the system that can be easily solved.

5. How can SHM be applied to real-world problems?

SHM has many practical applications, such as in the design of suspension systems for vehicles, the construction of tall buildings to withstand earthquakes, and the design of musical instruments. By understanding the principles of SHM, scientists and engineers can accurately predict the behavior of these systems and make improvements to their design.

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