Is This the Correct Differential Equation for a Mass-Spring Oscillation Lab?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the correct differential equation for a mass-spring oscillation lab involving a 200-gram mass. The initial equation presented was kx - b(dx/dt)^2 = m(d^2x/dt^2), which raised doubts about its accuracy. Participants clarified that for undamped simple harmonic motion, the correct form is m(d^2x/dt^2) + ω₀²x = 0, and suggested including friction in the equation. The modified equation incorporating friction is m(d^2x/dt^2) + ω₀²x + b(dx/dt)² = 0. This discussion emphasizes the importance of accurately representing forces in differential equations for oscillatory motion.
formulajoe
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this is for a lab, but i wrote down the wrong equation. the lab was about attaching a 200 gram mass to a spring. we had to displace it so many cm, and than release it. we had to measure the period of the oscillations. but we are supposed to compare this measured period with a period obtained from the solution of the appropriate differential equation. i wrote down this for the diff eq, but I am not sure if its right

-kx -b(dx/dt)^2=m(d^2x/dt^2)

is this the correct one? and if it is, where can i find the solution to this?
 
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The equation for undamped simple harmonic motion is:

m\!\stackrel{..}{x} +\, \omega_0^2x = 0

It can be solved by attempting a solution of the form y = A\cdot \textrm{cos}(\omega x + \phi)

cookiemonster
 
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this needs to include friction. that's the b*v^2. i can't find anything anywhere that has a differential equation with friction.
 
Just add a term:

m\!\stackrel{..}{x} +\, \omega_0^2x + b\!\stackrel{.}{x}^2 = 0

cookiemonster
 
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