Driven harmonic oscillator problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a driven harmonic oscillator, where a mass attached to a spring on a frictionless surface is subjected to an external force. The discussion revolves around writing the equation of motion, finding the solution under initial conditions, and exploring the implications of driving frequency on the system's behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equation of motion and the solution involving initial conditions. There are questions about the identification of natural frequency and its role in the solution. Some participants express uncertainty regarding the correct form of the solution and the variables involved.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to identify the natural frequency and incorporate it into the solution. There is an ongoing exploration of how to correctly express the period of motion and the relationship between the driving frequency and the natural frequency.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of specific initial conditions and are encouraged to derive expressions rather than receive direct answers. There is an emphasis on understanding the underlying concepts rather than simply obtaining results.

Taylor Grubbs
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Homework Statement


A mass m sits on a horizontal frictionless surface and is attached to a wall by means of a spring having force constant k. The mass is now subjected to an additional force of the form.
F(t) = Acosbt
(a) Write the equation of motion for this mass.(b) What is the solution to this equation which satisfies the conditions x(t==0) = 0; and v(t=0) = 0?(c) Assume now that the driving frequency is twice the natural frequency of the oscillator. What is
the period of the motion?(d) Write an expression for the power delivered to the mass by the external force.(e) Integrate your expression for the power over one cycle of the motion. Is this the result youwould expect? Explain.

Homework Equations


So mx''= -kx + Acos(bt)
ω0

The Attempt at a Solution


Solving for the initial conditions I found that

x = [A/m(ω202)](cos(bt) - cos(ωt))

Is this the correct form to find the period of motion?
 
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You have not yet identified the natural frequency and incorporated that into the solution for both the homogeneous and particular solutions.
 
Taylor Grubbs said:
Solving for the initial conditions I found that

x = [A/m(ω202)](cos(bt) - cos(ωt))

Is this the correct form to find the period of motion?
On the right track, but you have more varialbles than there should be: b, ω and ω0. Fix this, find the resonant frequency as oldengr63 suggests, then decide on what b should be for part (c).
 
Hi Taylor,
Could you please show how you find your expression ? It's easy to point you to the right answer, but as a learning experience that scales lower than if you get some small help while working it out yourself.
 

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