Deriving angular frequency for simple harmonic motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equation for angular frequency (ω) in simple harmonic motion (SHM) of a spring, specifically the formula ω = √(k/m), where k is the spring constant and m is the mass. The derivation begins with Newton's second law (F = ma) and Hooke's law (F = -kx), leading to the differential equation a + (k/m)x = 0. By substituting the displacement equation x = A * Cos(ωt) into the motion equation, the relationship between angular frequency and the spring's properties is established, confirming that ω = √(k/m).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Familiarity with Hooke's law (F = -kx)
  • Basic knowledge of differential equations
  • Concept of angular frequency in oscillatory motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of differential equations in the context of mechanical systems
  • Explore the applications of Euler's identity in physics
  • Learn about the relationship between amplitude and angular frequency in SHM
  • Investigate the effects of varying mass and spring constant on angular frequency
USEFUL FOR

Students in AP Calculus BC, physics enthusiasts, and anyone studying simple harmonic motion and its mathematical foundations.

AlexYH
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Homework Statement


Derive the equation for angular frequency for simple harmonic motion of a spring.


Homework Equations


Derive omega = sqrt(k/m) from F = -kx
(sorry i don't know how to use notation)


The Attempt at a Solution


I asked my teacher how to do this, and he used some crazy math I didn't learn yet, including Euler's identity and differential equations. I'm in an AP calculus bc class, and i understand differential equations, just not some aspects. Does anyone know a simple solution for this? Thanks in advance
 
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If F=ma and F=-kx

Then ma=-kx (by equating the forces.)

Which can be also written as ma+kx=0

or a+\frac{k}{m}x=0

Now if x is displacement, differentiating once with respect to time will give you velocity of the spring and then differentiating again with respect to time will give acceleration.

Displacement of a spring can be given by

x=A * Cos (\omega t)

where A is the Amplitude of motion and \omega is the angular frequency

Now Differenting once will give velocity;

v=-A\omega Sin(\omega t)

and again to give acceleration

a=-A \omega^{2} Cos(\omega t)

Now substituting our formula for Acceleration and displacement into our equation of motion

a+\frac{k}{m}x=0

Gives -A \omega^{2} Cos(\omega t) +\frac{k}{m}A Cos (\omega t)=0

Which can be rearranged to;

A(-\omega^{2} +\frac{k}{m})Cos(\omega t)=0

Can get rid of the A and Cos(\omega t)

which leaves -\omega^{2} +\frac{k}{m}=0

which can be rearranged to \omega=\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}
 
tjr39 said:
If F=ma and F=-kx

Then ma=-kx (by equating the forces.)

Which can be also written as ma+kx=0

or a+\frac{k}{m}x=0

or from here

that is in the form a=-\omega^2x

where \omega^2=\frac{k}{m}
 

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