Find Max Speed of 3.4g Mass in Oscillatory Motion: Energy Conservation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum speed of a 3.4 g mass in oscillatory motion using energy conservation principles. The mass oscillates with an amplitude of 0.5 m and a period of 3 seconds. The user initially attempted to use the equation mgh = 1/2 mv^2 but recognized the need for a more appropriate form. The correct approach involves using the displacement function x(t) to derive the velocity function v(t) through calculus or applying standard equations for harmonic oscillators.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic motion and oscillatory systems
  • Familiarity with energy conservation principles in physics
  • Basic calculus, specifically derivatives
  • Knowledge of the equations of motion for harmonic oscillators
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of velocity from displacement in harmonic motion
  • Learn about the equations of motion for simple harmonic oscillators
  • Explore energy conservation in oscillatory systems
  • Review calculus applications in physics, particularly derivatives
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, particularly those studying oscillatory motion, as well as educators and anyone seeking to understand energy conservation in mechanical systems.

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There is a displacement versus time graph of a 3.4 g mass on a spring that is in oscillatory motion. A=0.5 and the wavelength for one period is 3 s while the total time shown on the graph is 7 s. I need to find out the maximum speed of this mass.

At first I thought that it would easily be the amplitude divided by the time at that highest amplitude, but obviously that was wrong. I then decided to try energy conservation, which I think is right, but I think that I am not using the correct equation. I've been trying to do some form of mgh=1/2 mv^2 and solving for v. I changed h to x and I knew that x=Acos((2pi/T)t) so I put that in for h and I tried to solve for v. I plugged in my answer and it was wrong, so I'm pretty sure that I just didn't use a correct form of this equation. How can I get a more appropriate form of this equation to use (if it is indeed the correct method) ?
 
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If this is a calculus based course, you know the velocity is the derivative of the displacement. If you can write x(t) you can find v(t). If it is not calculus based, almost surey your text gives you the equations for displacement, velocity, and acceleration of a harmonic oscillator as a function of time. From the graph you can find the things you need to use those equations.
 

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