How to Find the Amplitude in SHM with Only K and Mass?

AI Thread Summary
To find the amplitude of an object in simple harmonic motion (SHM) using only the spring constant (K) and mass, one must recognize that amplitude is related to the energy in the system. The angular frequency can be calculated using the formula sqrt(K/m), which allows for the determination of the period and frequency. However, without information about the total energy of the system, which is expressed as Total Energy = 0.5*K*Amplitude², it is impossible to directly calculate the amplitude. Therefore, additional information regarding the energy or initial conditions is necessary to solve for amplitude. In summary, amplitude cannot be determined solely from K and mass without energy data.
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Homework Statement


If provided only the spring constant K and the mass of an object undergoing simple harmonic motion how do you find the amplitude?


Homework Equations


Angular Frequency = sqrt (k/m)
Period = 1/t

The Attempt at a Solution


Using the two equations above you can derive \omega period, and frequency. This gives you \omega, period, frequency, mass and the spring constant. Is it possible to solve for the amplitude with these variables?
 
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Amplitude is a function of the energy in the SHM system and we don't have any information about that.

TotalEnergy = 0.5*K*Amplitude²
 

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