How Do You Calculate Oscillation Parameters for a Mass on a Spring?

In summary, the conversation is about a problem involving a suspended mass and a light spring. The conversation discusses how to calculate the force constant of the spring, the time period and maximum velocity of the oscillations, and how to sketch a displacement time graph. There is a question about whether the amplitude should be measured from the equilibrium point when the mass is attached or from the spring's equilibrium point. The solution provided includes the correct equations and units, but there are some errors in the calculations involving the mass and amplitude.
  • #1
lemon
200
0
Hi:
Would somebody kindly check I have approached this problem correctly, please?
Thank you.

Homework Statement



A 0.2kg mass is suspended from a light spring, producing an extension of 5.0cm.

a) Calculate the force constant of the spring.

The mass is now pulled down a further 2.0cm and released.

b) Calculate
i) the time period of the resultant oscillations
ii) the maximum velocity of the mass

c) sketch a displacement time graph for one complete oscillation of the mass, marking amplitude (A) and time period (T) and showing where maximum velocity occurs

Homework Equations

[tex]
\begin{array}{l}
F = k\Delta x \\
T = 2\pi \sqrt {\frac{m}{k}} \\
f = \frac{1}{T} \\
V_{\max } = 2\pi fA \\
\end{array}
[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]
\begin{array}{l}
a){\rm{ }}k = \frac{{20}}{{0.05}} \\
= 400 \\
\\
b){\rm{ i) T = 2}}\pi \sqrt {\frac{2}{{400}}} \\
= 0.4442s{\rm{ }}\left( {4s.f.} \right) \\
\\
{\rm{ii) f = }}\frac{1}{{0.4442}} \\
= 2.2624Hz{\rm{ }}\left( {4s.f.} \right) \\
V_{\max } = 2\pi \times 2.2624 \times 0.07 \\
= 0.9951{\rm{ }}\left( {4s.f.} \right) \\
1.0ms^{ - 1} {\rm{ }}\left( {2s.f.} \right) \\
\end{array}
[/tex]

I have taken the Amplitude from the spring equilibrium and not the equilibrium when the mass attached to the spring with initial extension of 5.0cm. Is this correct or should the Amplitude be just the secondary extension of 2.0cm?
Thank you
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
lemon said:
[tex]
\begin{array}{l}
a){\rm{ }}k = \frac{{20}}{{0.05}} \\
= 400 \\
\\
b){\rm{ i) T = 2}}\pi \sqrt {\frac{2}{{400}}} \\
= 0.4442s{\rm{ }}\left( {4s.f.} \right) \\
\\
{\rm{ii) f = }}\frac{1}{{0.4442}} \\
= 2.2624Hz{\rm{ }}\left( {4s.f.} \right) \\
V_{\max } = 2\pi \times 2.2624 \times 0.07 \\
= 0.9951{\rm{ }}\left( {4s.f.} \right) \\
1.0ms^{ - 1} {\rm{ }}\left( {2s.f.} \right) \\
\end{array}
[/tex]

First, you need units!

Part b) isn't correct. Why did you use 2 kg for m?

Also, you need to use 2 cm, not 7 cm. This is because amplitude is always the displacement from the equilibrium point, and when the mass is attached, the equilibrium point is 2 cm away.
 

Related to How Do You Calculate Oscillation Parameters for a Mass on a Spring?

1. What is SHM?

SHM stands for Simple Harmonic Motion, which is a type of motion where an object oscillates back and forth around a stable equilibrium point, with a constant amplitude and period.

2. What factors affect the period of SHM?

The period of SHM is affected by the mass of the object, the spring constant, and the amplitude of the oscillation. The period is directly proportional to the square root of the mass and inversely proportional to the square root of the spring constant. It is also independent of the amplitude.

3. How is SHM related to Hooke's Law?

SHM is related to Hooke's Law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the displacement of the object from its equilibrium position. This means that as the object oscillates back and forth, the force exerted by the spring also changes, resulting in the harmonic motion.

4. What is the equation for SHM?

The equation for SHM is x = A sin(ωt + φ), where x is the displacement of the object, A is the amplitude, ω is the angular frequency, and φ is the phase angle. This equation describes the sinusoidal motion of the object as it oscillates back and forth.

5. What are some real-life examples of SHM?

Some real-life examples of SHM include a pendulum, a swing, a tuning fork, and a mass on a spring. These objects exhibit simple harmonic motion due to the forces acting on them, such as gravity and tension in the spring.

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