Deriving time peroid of a spring

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SUMMARY

The time period of a spring-mass system is defined by the formula T = 2π√(m/k), where m is the mass attached to the spring and k is the spring constant. The discussion emphasizes that the force acting on the spring follows Hooke's Law, represented as F = -kx, indicating that the acceleration always directs towards the equilibrium position. The maximum speed of the spring occurs at the equilibrium point, where displacement is zero. Additionally, the general solution for the motion of the spring can be expressed as x(t) = Acos(√(k/m)t) + Bsin(√(k/m)t), which also relates to the period of the oscillation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law (F = -kx)
  • Basic knowledge of simple harmonic motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of mass (m) and spring constant (k)
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their applications in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the time period formula T = 2π√(m/k)
  • Explore the principles of simple harmonic motion in greater detail
  • Learn about the implications of the spring constant (k) on oscillation frequency
  • Investigate the mathematical solutions for oscillatory motion, including the general solution x(t)
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of spring-mass systems and simple harmonic motion.

thomas49th
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Hi all, I was wondering if we could go through how we get the time peroid for a spring with a mass m attached to it. The time period is:

T = 2pi sqrt(m/k)We know that F = -kx
We know the the the acceleration of a spring is always towards the equilibrium point
the speed can be measured negative and positive from the equilibrium point, as well as the displacement

The spring will be traveling fastest as it goes through the equilibrium point and it's displacement will be 0 at this point

Does that help towards the derivation?

Thanks
Tom
 
Last edited:
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F=ma

and the definition for simple harmonic motion will help
 
thomas49th said:
Hi all, I was wondering if we could go through how we get the time peroid for a spring with a mass m attached to it. The time period is:

T = 2pi sqrt(m/k)


We know that F = -kx
We know the the the acceleration of a spring is always towards the equilibrium point
the speed can be measured negative and positive from the equilibrium point, as well as the displacement

The spring will be traveling fastest as it goes through the equilibrium point and it's displacement will be 0 at this point

Does that help towards the derivation?

Thanks
Tom
F= ma= mx"= -kx.
Show that, for all numbers A and B,
[tex]x(t)= Acos(\sqrt{k/m}t)+ B sin(\sqrt{k/m}t)[/tex]
satisfies that equation. What are the periods of those functions?
 

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