Effect of mass on the acceleration of an elastic pendulum?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the effect of mass on the acceleration of an elastic pendulum, particularly in the context of simple harmonic motion (SHM). Participants explore how varying the mass attached to the spring influences the pendulum's acceleration during its motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that while mass does not affect acceleration in a simple pendulum, it may influence the acceleration of an elastic pendulum due to displacement from equilibrium caused by different masses.
  • Another participant provides links to external resources about elastic pendulums, suggesting they may contain relevant information.
  • A later reply expresses surprise at the concept of the elastic pendulum, indicating a level of novelty in the discussion.
  • One participant claims that heavier masses experience less acceleration while lighter masses experience greater acceleration, stating that acceleration is inversely proportional to mass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the relationship between mass and acceleration in the context of the elastic pendulum, with differing viewpoints presented.

Contextual Notes

There may be limitations related to the assumptions about the elastic properties of the pendulum and the specific conditions under which the comparisons are made, which remain unresolved.

greg_2001
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I know that mass does not affect the acceleration in a simple pendulum undergoing SHM, but how does the mass on the spring that makes up the elastic pendulum affect its acceleration? Certainly, there must be a change due to the displacement from equilibrium caused by each differing mass? I am talking about finding the acceleration at a specific time on each trial with different masses and comparing them. How would they compare and why?
 
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Heavier mass experiences less acceleration and lighter mass experiences greater acceleration, because acceleration is inversely proportional to mass.
 

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