How can the period of oscillation be determined using energy considerations?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the period of oscillation using energy considerations, specifically in the context of a potential curve and oscillatory motion. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the relationship between the period of oscillation and the established formula, questioning whether it is merely an approximation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the connection between previously solved parts of the problem and the current question regarding the period of oscillation. There is a suggestion to utilize findings from earlier parts to inform the current inquiry. Questions arise about the integration process and the expressions for kinetic and potential energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants seeking to clarify their understanding of the energy considerations involved in the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of known variables and expressions, but no consensus has been reached on the approach to take for part iii).

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions specific limits of motion defined by xb and xa, indicating constraints in the problem setup. There is also an implication of missing information regarding the equation of motion and the derivation of energy expressions.

MFAHH
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The Attempt at a Solution



I've managed to do parts i) and ii) with not much bother. But as for iii) then I haven't a clue how to show that the period of oscillation is given by that. I've always been under the impression it is simply given by 2pi*sqrt(m/k), but am now wondering whether that was just an approximation in itself. It's clear that the limits would be xb and xa as they define the entire range of the object's motion in the potential curve.

I have a feeling energy considerations may play a part but am not sure how to go about it.
 

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What did you find in part ii) ? Can you use that in part III ?
 
BvU said:
What did you find in part ii) ? Can you use that in part III ?

Thanks for the reply. I've attached what I got for ii.
 

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I see a ##\dot{..}##KE = ... where it seems you already know initial position and speed. Your integrand is 2/v(t) ? If you also know x(t) then you can change integration variable to t, right ?
I don't see the equation of motion, or how you derived these KE and PE expressions, though.
 

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