Finding Spring Constant through Simple Harmonic Motion

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the spring constant for a mass-spring system undergoing simple harmonic motion. The mass of 44 grams is attached to a spring, with the motion described by the equation y(t) = 1.2*sin(3.1415*t). The relationship between angular frequency, mass, and spring constant is highlighted, emphasizing that the forces at maximum displacement must be equal. The user initially struggled with the approach but ultimately determined that calculating the period (T) from the angular frequency allowed for solving the spring constant (k) using the formula T=2∏√(m/k). The problem was resolved by substituting the values into the appropriate equations.
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Hi there, SalsaOnMyTaco here again.

Homework Statement



A 44 gram mass is attached to a massless spring and allowed to oscillate around an equilibrium according to:
y(t) = 1.2*sin( 3.1415*t ) where y is measured in meters and t in seconds

-What is the spring constant in N/m ?

HELP: Simple harmonic motion with the amplitude A is equivalent to the motion on a circle with the radius A, and the same angular frequency omega.
The force acting on an object with the mass m moving on a circle with the radius A with the angular frequency ω is
F_circ=m*A*ω2.
The force exerted by a spring with the constant k is equal to
F(x)=k*x, where x is the displacement.
Due to the analogy mentioned above, the two forces are equal at the point of maximum displacement (amplitude), that is,
F_circ=F(A).
You can solve this equation for omega in terms of k and m.

Homework Equations



T=2∏√(m/k)

The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea how to approach this problem. Should I start from figuring out the Period to then solve for K on the above equation?
 
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Nvm, problem solved. Since i was given w=2pi/t, i solved for T and used T on the equation from OP to solve for K.
 
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