Finding Acceleration of Gravity for Springs Without a Given K

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of gravity for a mass-spring system without a known spring constant (K). The user provides specific data: a period of 0.96 seconds, a mass of 100 grams, and a displacement of 45 cm. The relevant equations discussed include Hooke's Law (F = -kx) and the formula for the period of a mass-spring system (T = 2π√(m/k)). The user expresses confusion about deriving the spring constant from the given period and mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law (F = -kx)
  • Knowledge of the mass-spring system period formula (T = 2π√(m/k))
  • Basic principles of oscillatory motion
  • Ability to perform unit conversions (e.g., grams to kilograms)
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the spring constant (K) using the provided period and mass.
  • Explore the relationship between displacement and spring constant in oscillatory systems.
  • Investigate the effects of varying mass on the period of a spring system.
  • Learn about experimental methods to determine the spring constant in practical scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and oscillatory motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to mass-spring systems.

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Finding Acceleration of Gravity for Springs Without a Given "K"

Homework Statement



What I need is to gather data for the period, displacement, and mass of a certain object put on a spring. Later, I was asked to find the gravity--however I wasn't given a spring constant and I'm left on my own. I haven't been able to successfully calculate a spring constant and acceleration of gravity (I've tried to do this since Monday). For example:

I have:
Period: .96s
Mass: 100g
Displacement: 45cm


Homework Equations



F=-kx

T=2[itex]\pi[/itex][itex]\sqrt{m/k}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I thought I could solve for K using the Period of a Mass-Spring System equation (T=...), however, it seems I can't... so I'm a bit lost.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


What is "displacement"?

Why can't you find k given the period and the mass?
 

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