Finding Force Constant of Spring: 0.296 kg & 3.3 J

[redhot209]

Homework Statement

A 0.296 kg mass is attached to a spring and executes simple harmonic motion with a period of 0.18 s. The total energy of the system is 3.3 J. Find the force constant of the spring. Answer in units of N/m.

Homework Equations

k=m(t/2\pi)^2

The Attempt at a Solution

k=296(0.18/2\pi)^2
I get 0.0002429276699 but it is wrong. Any ideas what i did wrong?

 

[Mattowander]

Your equation is wrong. The period should be T = 2pi times the square root of (m/k). I believe that your equation has (k/m) instead of (m/k). Hope that helps.

 

[physics girl phd]

Note also: you should learn the trick of carrying through your units and checking them... that would have helped you find this error.