How to use the energy equation for SHM to find the position at a given velocity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a problem involving simple harmonic motion (SHM) for a mass-spring system with a 7kg weight and a spring constant of 327 N/m. The initial position is -1.22m with an initial velocity of 3.54 m/s, and the goal is to find the position where the velocity is 4.73 m/s. The conservation of mechanical energy equation is applied: 1/2mvf^2 + 1/2kxf^2 = 1/2mvi^2 + 1/2kxi^2. The solution reveals that the final position, where the velocity is 4.73 m/s, is -1.13m.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion (SHM)
  • Familiarity with the conservation of mechanical energy principle
  • Knowledge of mass-spring system dynamics
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the conservation of mechanical energy in SHM systems
  • Learn about the implications of spring constants in oscillatory motion
  • Explore the effects of mass on the frequency of oscillation in SHM
  • Investigate energy transformations in different mechanical systems
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and oscillatory motion, as well as educators looking for practical examples of SHM applications.

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Homework Statement



A 7kg weight is affixed to a spring with a constant of 327 N/m. System undergoing SHM.
Position x is -1.22m and velocity of positive 3.54 m/s. The system then moves to a position where the velocity is positive 4.73. Find the position where the velocity is 4.73 m/s

Homework Equations



I know that velocity increases in a + direction to the left of equilibrium. The initial position I am given,-1.22m is to the left of the equilibrium point, and I know the weight is speeding up toward the equilibrium point. I believe the relevant equation here is the conservation of mechanical energy for a mass-spring system.

The Attempt at a Solution



1/2mvf^2 + 1/2kxf^2 = 1/2mvi^2 + 1/2kxi^2
The 1/2 cancels

And I am stuck on how to set up the equation. I know if mvf^2 = kxi^2, then vf = √(kxi^2)/m, but that is for velocity, where is a known... ugh! I need a bump in the right direction so I can do this myself. I need to find Xf, and I think I need to take a negative square root somewhere... The book solution tells me the answer is -1.13m, but I am working on trying to figure out how To get there.

Please kick me in the right direction, so I can solve and understand this problem. Thank you!
 
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So you have $$ m v_f^2 + k x_f^2 = m v_i^2 + k x_i^2 .$$ Of all the symbols in the equation, you know ## k, \ m, \ v_i, \ v_f, \ x_i ##. The only unknown is ## x_f ##. Solve for it.
 
Ah! Thank you! It was looking me right in the face! Got it!
 

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