Find the magnitude of small oscillations

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a bead of mass 'm' constrained to move horizontally on a rope tied between two walls, with a spring of force constant 'k' attached. The bead is displaced by a small distance 'x', and the question is whether it executes simple harmonic motion (SHM) and to find the magnitude of small oscillations. The context includes the absence of friction and the initial free length of the spring.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equilibrium of forces acting on the bead, considering both gravitational and spring forces. There are attempts to derive equations of motion and explore whether the motion can be classified as SHM. Some participants question the validity of the original poster's conclusions regarding the independence of the spring constant.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of the problem being explored. Some participants express skepticism about the original poster's assertion that the motion is SHM, while others seek clarification on the role of the spring force in the system.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing information regarding the spring's force and its influence on the bead's motion. Participants are questioning the assumptions made in the original analysis, particularly concerning the forces involved.

prabhat rao
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Homework Statement




a rope is tied between 2 walls as shown.a bead of mass 'm' is on the rope as shown. it is constrained to move in the horizontal direction. it is tied to a spring of force constant 'k'- N/m. the spring is initially at its free length 'H'. the bead is displaced by a small displacement 'x' in the horizontal direction. does it execute SHM.If so find the magnitude of small oscillations?
no friction.


the figure is attached!






Homework Equations


T =2 pie/omega


The Attempt at a Solution


Consider the spring to make an angle q with the vertical
The mass in equilibrium in the y direction at all the times
Fsin q = mg
F (h/l)=mg
F = mgl/h
-Fcosq = f_restoring
-Fx/l = f_restoring
-mgl/hl *x =f_restoring
-mgx/h = f_restoring
-mgx/h = ma
ma+mgx.h = 0
a differential equation
omega = sqrt (g/h)
T = 2 pie * sqrt (h/g)
Now the answer is dimensionally correct

method 2

Since the force exerted by the spring is the vectorial sum of the forces along both the directions
F_y/(F_x) = tan q
-F_x= f_restoring = F_y/(tanq)
F_y intially is mg
f_restoring = -mgx/h
so this would be give

T= 2 pie *sqrt (h/g)

An amazing result independent of the spring constant of the force
A spring can only influence the motion along the direction of the spring

Is the solution?? if yes can anybody explain what it means

thank you
 

Attachments

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    Shm.jpg
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Hello,

I have a result which shows that the motion is NOT a simple harmonic moiton.
Because the net force on the bead is proportional to x^3.
This is just my opinion.


Regards
 
Can u please give your method
 
An amazing result independent of the spring constant of the force

This is the first sign something is wrong. Looking at your equations, I can't find anything that actually states the force the spring acts on the object (if it's there, it's certainly missing the spring constant
 
Is the motion simple harmonic??Please help me
 
I'll give you a hint

F_y intially is mg

Wrong! There's a spring pulling on it too
 

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