Finding a frequency to create a given amplitude in a spring

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a mass-spring system where a sinusoidal force is applied. The objective is to determine the frequency at which the force will cause the object to vibrate with a specified amplitude, given parameters such as mass, spring constant, and applied force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of relevant equations, including the relationship between amplitude, force, mass, and frequency. There are attempts to rearrange equations and substitute values to find the correct frequency. Some participants express confusion over the calculations and the presence of square roots in the equations.

Discussion Status

Multiple interpretations of the equations are being explored, with participants questioning the validity of their calculations and the presence of damping effects. Some guidance has been offered regarding the equations, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may require two frequencies, a "Lower" and a "Higher" one, and there is uncertainty about how to derive these from the equations being discussed. There is also mention of the specific requirement for the answer to be in Hertz.

ViXXoR
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Damping is negligible for a 0.155 kg object hanging from a light 6.30 N/m spring. A sinusoidal force with an amplitutde of 1.70 N drives the system. At what frequency will the force make the object vibrate with an amplitude of 0.440 m?
So:
[tex]m=0.155kg[/tex]

[tex]k=6.30N/m[/tex]

[tex]F=1.70N[/tex]

[tex]A=0.440m[/tex]


Homework Equations


So a given equation is:

[tex]A = \frac{\frac{F}{m}}{\sqrt{\beta^2 - \beta o^2 + (\frac{b\beta}{m})^2}}[/tex]

Also:

[tex]\beta o = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}[/tex] so [tex]\beta o = \sqrt{\frac{6.30}{0.155}} = 40.6452 rad/s[/tex]

And:

[tex]f = \frac{\beta}{2\pi}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


Damping is negligible so [tex](\frac{b\beta}{m})^2}} = 0[/tex]
Rearranging the first equation for [tex]\beta[/tex]:

[tex]\beta = \sqrt{\frac{(\frac{F}{m})^2}{A^2} + \beta o^2[/tex]

Plug in all the values:

[tex]\beta = \sqrt{\frac{(\frac{1.70}{0.155})^2}{0.440^2} + 40.6452^2}<br /> <br /> = 47.6799 rad/s[/tex]

Now using the formula for frequency:

[tex]f = \frac{\beta}{2\pi}<br /> <br /> = \frac{47.6799}{2\pi}<br /> <br /> = 7.5885 Hz[/tex]


It seems my answer is wrong, and I cannot find out where I am going wrong. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
You made a mistake here:

[tex]\beta o = \sqrt{\frac{6.30}{0.155}} = 40.6452 rad/s[/tex]

You forgot to take the square root.
 
Wow...

Thank you for pointing that out.

Hmmmmm...turns out that when I take the square root, the answer is more wrong. I'm really stumped.
 
ViXXoR said:
Wow...

Thank you for pointing that out.

Hmmmmm...turns out that when I take the square root, the answer is more wrong. I'm really stumped.

do you know the answer?

I get 4.095Hz. is that what you're getting?
 
Yes, that's exactly what I am getting. It is still marked as wrong though.
 
ViXXoR said:
Yes, that's exactly what I am getting. It is still marked as wrong though.

And they want the answer in Hz?
 
Yes, they want the answer in Hz.

It seems they want 2 frequencies, a "Lower" one and a "Higher" one.
 
Ah... I think I see the problem now... the square root shouldn't be there:
[tex]A = \frac{\frac{F}{m}}{\beta^2 - \beta o^2}[/tex]
 
If I use that equation, how will I get 2 frequencies out of it? Also, the square root is in the equation in my textbook...
 
Last edited:
  • #10
ViXXoR said:
If I use that equation, how will I get 2 frequencies out of it? Also, the square root is in the equation in my textbook...

Are you sure?

The formula I'm seeing online is:

[tex]A = \frac{\frac{F}{m}}{\sqrt{(\beta^2 - \beta o^2)^2 + (\frac{b\beta}{m})^2}}[/tex]

which isn't what you had... you didn't have the extra square inside... when there's no damping... the square root and square cancel each other.

Maybe the 2 values are the plus/minus square root...

So:

[tex]\beta = +/-\sqrt{\frac{(\frac{F}{m})}{A} + \beta o^2[/tex]

[tex]\beta = +/- 8.0976 rad/s[/tex]

Frequency = +/- 1.289Hz ?
 
Last edited:
  • #11
Awesome, you're right! One thing, can you have a negative frequency? Can I have my higher frequency at 1.289hz, and my lower one at -1.289Hz?
 
  • #12
If High frequency is:

f_high = ([tex]\beta[/tex])/(2*pi)

In order to find the low frequency:

f_low = ([tex]\beta[/tex])/(4*pi)


I got mine right that way.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
995