Does amplitude depend on mass in SHM?

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SUMMARY

The amplitude of an oscillating spring-block system does depend on the mass of the block, as established through the conservation of energy equation for simple harmonic motion (SHM): (1/2)mv^2 + (1/2)kx^2 = (1/2)kA^2. Increasing the mass results in a proportional increase in amplitude, while decreasing the mass leads to a decrease in amplitude. The frequency of oscillation, denoted by ω = 2πf, is inversely related to mass, affecting how quickly the system cycles. Therefore, mass directly influences both amplitude and frequency in SHM.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring constant 'k'
  • Familiarity with the principles of conservation of energy
  • Knowledge of simple harmonic motion (SHM) concepts
  • Ability to manipulate and interpret equations involving kinetic and potential energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the relationship between mass and frequency in SHM using the formula ω = √(k/m)
  • Investigate the effects of varying spring constants on amplitude and frequency
  • Learn about damping effects in oscillating systems and their impact on amplitude
  • Study real-world applications of SHM in engineering and physics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and oscillations, as well as educators looking to explain the dynamics of spring systems in simple harmonic motion.

Mark Zhu
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Homework Statement


Does amplitude of an oscillating spring with an attached block depend on the block's mass? Assuming the spring has spring constant 'k' and obeys Hooke's law. How would the amplitude of the oscillating spring system be affected if the mass of the block were increased/decreased?

Homework Equations


(1/2)mv^2 + (1/2)kx^2 = (1/2)kA^2

The Attempt at a Solution


The amplitude of a spring-block system should depend on the block's mass looking at the conservation of energy equation for SHM. Mass is directly proportional to amplitude.
 
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:welcome:If you initially stretch the system by "x" centimeters, which is essentially the amplitude ## A ##, does it matter what the mass ## m ## happens to be? ## \\ ## How does the system behave if you change ## m ## ? e.g. What kind of response does it have if ## m ## is very large? What if ## m ## is very small? ## \\ ## I'll give you a hint: The parameter that is affected is the frequency, (how fast it cycles back and forth), usually specified by ## \omega=2 \pi f ##.
 
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