How Is the Limiting Displacement A0 Determined in a Spring System with Friction?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on determining the limiting displacement A0 in a spring system with friction. The mass m attached to the spring experiences static and kinetic friction, and A0 represents the maximum displacement where the mass remains at rest. The correct approach involves applying Newton's second law, leading to the equation -kA0 = us * mg, which allows for solving A0 as A0 = us * mg / k. Participants clarify that A0 must be positive, aligning with the problem's conditions. The conversation emphasizes correcting misunderstandings about the dynamics of static friction in the context of harmonic motion.
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Homework Statement


A mass m is attached to a spring with spring constant k. There is a coefficient of static friction,
us
The coefficient of kinetic friction is uk
Suppose you pull the mass to the right and release it from rest.
You find there is a limiting value of x = A0 > 0 below which the
mass just sticks and does not move. For x > A0 , it starts sliding
when you release it from rest. Find A0 .

Homework Equations


## x''(t) + \omega x(t) - ( \mu mg)/k =0 ##

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved the ODE for Simple Harmonic Motion, and I get that ##x(t)=B sin ( \omega t) + C ( \omega t) -umg/k##, but I'm not sure where to go from there. The derivative at x = A0 must be zero, but how does that help me find A0 itself?
 
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The place to go is back to Newton's 2nd law. Your DE is wrong, and your thinking about static friction is in error. Please try again.
 
In light of your post, I figured this:
At x=A0, the block is at rest, so the forces acting on it must be balanced. Thus, -kx=umg, and at A0, -kA0=umg, so solving for A0 gives: A0=-umg/k

Am I on the right track now?
 
Wouldn't A0 be positive since the question indicates A0 > 0 ?
 
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