Find the maximum acceleration and accleration of a mass spring system.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a mass-spring system problem to find maximum acceleration and velocity, as well as the equation of motion. Given a period (T) of 0.500 seconds and an amplitude (A) of 2.00 cm, the frequency was calculated as 2 Hz. The maximum velocity was determined to be 25.1 m/s using the formula (v)max = 2πAf. The spring constant (k) and mass (m) are not needed separately, as their ratio is sufficient for calculating acceleration.

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Homework Statement


The problem states to find the maximum acceleration and velocity, the acceleration and velocity when the displacement (x) is 1.00cm, and the equation of motion as a function of time if the displacement is A (amplitude) at t=0. We're given that the period (T) is 0.500s and the amplitude is 2.00cm with a total path length of 4.00 cm.


Homework Equations



Position as a function of time is given as x=cos(2\pift)
(v)max = 2\piAf
A/(v) max = \sqrt{m/k}
k(spring constant) = m(2\pif)^2

The Attempt at a Solution

I found the frequency by take 1/0.50 to get 2 Hz. I then plugged into the (v) max equation to get 25.1 m/s. However, how do I find the spring constant and mass which I need to solve for acceleration? I really don't know how to approach this problem.
 
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You shouldn't need to know the mass and spring constant separately. The quantities you need to calculate only depend on the ratio of the two. If you put in unknowns for them, they'll cancel out.
 

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