Driven harmonic oscillator problem

In summary, the conversation discusses a mass attached to a wall by a spring and subjected to an additional force. The equations of motion, solution satisfying initial conditions, and power delivered to the mass are derived and discussed. The correct form for finding the period of motion is determined and the importance of finding the resonant frequency is emphasized. The conversation encourages independent problem solving for a better learning experience.
  • #1
Taylor Grubbs
5
0

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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You have not yet identified the natural frequency and incorporated that into the solution for both the homogeneous and particular solutions.
 
  • #3
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).
 
  • #4
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.
 

What is a driven harmonic oscillator problem?

A driven harmonic oscillator problem is a type of physical system where a particle is subject to a restoring force that is proportional to its displacement from its equilibrium position, as well as an additional external force that varies in time. This problem is commonly studied in physics and engineering to understand the behavior of oscillating systems.

What is the equation of motion for a driven harmonic oscillator?

The equation of motion for a driven harmonic oscillator is given by m ¨ + kx = Fcos(ωt), where m is the mass of the particle, k is the spring constant, x is the displacement from equilibrium, F is the amplitude of the external force, and ω is the frequency of the driving force.

What is the resonance frequency of a driven harmonic oscillator?

The resonance frequency of a driven harmonic oscillator is the frequency at which the amplitude of the oscillations is maximized. It can be calculated by the formula ω0 = √(k/m), where k is the spring constant and m is the mass of the particle.

How does the amplitude of oscillations change with frequency in a driven harmonic oscillator?

The amplitude of oscillations in a driven harmonic oscillator is dependent on the frequency of the driving force. At the resonance frequency, the amplitude is maximized, while at other frequencies it decreases. This relationship can be described by the amplitude response curve, which shows the amplitude as a function of frequency.

What are some real-life examples of a driven harmonic oscillator?

There are many real-life examples of driven harmonic oscillators, including pendulums, musical instruments, and electronic circuits. In these systems, the motion is driven by an external force such as gravity, a musician's hand, or an AC voltage, while the restoring force is provided by a spring or other mechanism. Understanding driven harmonic oscillators is crucial in fields such as mechanical engineering, acoustics, and electronics.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
774
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
407
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
950
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
877
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
891
Back
Top