How Does Friction Affect Spring Oscillations?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of friction on the oscillations of a spring-mass system. The original poster describes a scenario where a mass is placed on a vertically oriented spring, which is then rotated to a horizontal position with friction involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the equilibrium conditions of the spring-mass system and question the forces acting on the mass once the system is rotated. There is also an inquiry into the relationship between the spring constant and the initial compression of the spring.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing insights into the equilibrium state of the system and questioning how the transition to a horizontal position affects the forces at play. There is no explicit consensus yet, and various interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the effects of kinetic friction on the oscillation behavior, and there may be assumptions about the spring's properties and the mass's behavior that are yet to be clarified.

Tonyt88
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A spring with spring constant k stands vertically, and a mass m is placed on top of it. The mass is gradually lowered to its equilibrium position. With the spring held at this compression length, the system is rotated to a horizontal position. The left end of spring is attached to a wall, and the mass is placed on a table with coefficient of kinentic friction μ = 1/8. The mass is released.

(a) what is the initial compression of the spring?

(b) How much does the maximal stretch (or compression) of the spring decrease after each half-oscillation?

(c) How many times does the mass oscillate back and forth before coming to rest?
 
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Would the first part be F = ma = -kx
Thus: mg/k = x, or no?
 
Looks like you have a good start (the system is in equilibrium with the force of the spring pushing up to balance the weight of the mass). Now what changes about the forces involved once you put the system on its side?
 
less than helpful
 

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