Determine Speed & Acceleration of Spring Motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving simple harmonic motion of a mass-spring system. The original poster seeks assistance in calculating the speed and acceleration of an object attached to a spring at a specific time, given its amplitude and period.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster has calculated certain parameters but is uncertain about how to derive speed and acceleration from the displacement function. Some participants suggest considering the derivatives of the displacement function, while others express confusion about the meaning of these derivatives.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the relationship between displacement, speed, and acceleration through derivatives. There is a mix of attempts to clarify concepts and expressions of confusion, indicating a collaborative effort to understand the underlying principles.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the definitions and implications of derivatives in the context of motion, with some expressing a need for further resources or references to clarify their understanding.

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An 0.64-kg object is attached to one end of a spring, as in Fig. 10.14 and the system is set into simple harmonic motion. The displacement x of the object as a function of time is shown in the drawing above. Please take the values of A and T as: A = 0.087 m and T = 1.8 s. With the aid of this data, determine


ive already calculated amplitude, angular frequency, spring constant.

I can't figure out how to calculate these:

(d) the speed of the object at t = 3.6 s

(e) and the magnitude of the object's acceleration at t = 3.6 s


any tips??
 
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You have a function x(t) which represents displacement. Now, what do the first and second derivatives of this function with respect to time represent?
 
sorry but I'm really lost here - can you please clarify what you mean by what the first and second derivatives with respect to time means? thanks for your patience
 
mikefitz said:
sorry but I'm really lost here - can you please clarify what you mean by what the first and second derivatives with respect to time means? thanks for your patience

I don't want to sound uncooperative, but I think you should do some google-ing at this point or consult your physics/calculus books.
 

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