Finding the Spring constant without knowing the mass

Click For Summary
To find the frequency of oscillation for a spring without knowing the mass, the relationship between spring constant (k) and mass (m) can be utilized. The formula for frequency is f = 1/2π * √(k/m), and while k is typically calculated using k = mg/x, it is not necessary to know the individual values of k or m. Instead, one can derive the ratio k/m directly from the displacement and equilibrium conditions. This approach allows for the calculation of frequency without needing the specific mass of the block. The discussion concludes with the realization that understanding the ratio is key to solving the problem.
Northyellow
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
1. A spring is hung from the ceiling. When a block is attached to its end, it stretches 2.0 cm before reaching its new equilibrium length. The block is then pulled down slightly and released. what is the frequency of the oscillation?



2. The frequency is found by f= 1/2\pi *\sqrt{K/M}

So I guess the first thing to do is finding the spring constant: k = mg/x
This is the only formula I know for it, how can I find it if there is no given mass?



3. I can't really get past that, I just feel like I'm stuck as I don't know how to find the
spring constant without knowing the mass of the block...
Any hints are greatly appriciated,
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Northyellow said:
2. The frequency is found by f= 1/2\pi *\sqrt{K/M}

So I guess the first thing to do is finding the spring constant: k = mg/x
This is the only formula I know for it, how can I find it if there is no given mass?


You don't really need to find k or m in order to find the frequency; the frquency depends on (k/m) and surely you can find (k/m) from the relation k=mg/x right?:wink:
 
Thank you very much, did not see that.

That was really helpful, and I think I got the correct answer now. :)

thank you again :)
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
6K