Find maximum speed of mass on spring

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the maximum speed of a mass attached to a spring on a horizontal surface. The mass is specified as 8 kg, with a spring constant of 784 N/m. The spring's resting length is 20 cm, and it is currently stretched to 25 cm. The frequency of the system is calculated to be 1.576 Hz, although the original poster expresses uncertainty about this value.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers using a formula relating frequency and amplitude to find the maximum speed but is unsure how to determine the amplitude. They also mention their background in AP Calculus AB but request non-calculus explanations. Other participants suggest using energy conservation principles, discussing the relationship between spring energy and kinetic energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different approaches to the problem. Some have provided links to resources and suggested methods, while the original poster seeks clarification on how to apply these concepts without delving into calculus.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a preference for non-calculus explanations due to the nature of their physics course. There is also uncertainty regarding the calculated frequency and how it relates to the amplitude in the context of the spring-mass system.

yosimba2000
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Homework Statement



Find the maximum speed of the mass on a spring.

The spring and mass are lying on a horizontal surface, with the spring being attached to both the wall and mass. The mass is 8kg and the spring constant is 784 N/m. The spring, at resting state, is 20cm (0.2m), but the spring is currently stretched to 25cm (.25m).

f (frequency) is 1.576 Hz (this I calculated, it was not given so it could be wrong.).

Homework Equations



I found this EQ online for Vmax: fA = 2pi

f = frequency
A = amplitude

The Attempt at a Solution



I was think of using the above formula, but I don't know how to find the Amplitude.

I have taken AP Calculus AB, but the Physics course I am taking is non- calculus based, so please try not to explain in calculus terms.

I do know that the mass has the maximum velocity right when it passes the equilibrium point.

Thanks!

*wait, i just saw you can solve for A from the fA=2pi. But how does this formula work for a spring if I have all the variables for the formula?
 
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Do you have formulas for the motion of the mass like this:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/shm.html#c1
There is a similar one for the velocity, which you could obtain by differentiating that one.

Or you could take an energy approach. The mass initially has spring energy. That is entirely converted into kinetic energy at the point where the speed is greatest. If you have formulas for spring and kinetic energy, that's probably the easiest approach.
 
to use the kinetic and spring energy approach, how would I do that?

I know that kinetic energy (Fk) is .5m(v^2).

Is Spring energy .5k(x^2)?
 
Initial spring energy = maximum kinetic energy
 

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