Mass hangs in equilibrium on a spring (oscillation)(MCQ)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a mass hanging in equilibrium on a spring, which is made to oscillate after being pulled down and released. The key parameters under discussion include the amplitude of oscillation and the period of motion, with specific values provided in a multiple-choice format.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the amplitude and the time taken to return to the equilibrium position, questioning whether the time of 0.5 seconds indicates the time period or just a portion of it. There is also consideration of the definitions of amplitude and period in the context of oscillatory motion.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested that the time to return to the equilibrium position is half of the total period, leading to the conclusion that the time period could be 2 seconds. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct answer from the multiple-choice options.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the definitions and relationships between amplitude, period, and time in oscillatory motion, with some uncertainty about the implications of the given time measurement.

slymme
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Homework Statement


A mass M hangs in equilibrium on a spring. M is made to oscillate about the equilibrium position by pulling it down 10 cm and releasing it. The time for M to travel back to the equilibrium position for the first time is 0.5s. Which line, A to D, is correct for these oscillations?
A) Amplitude(cm) 10 , Period(s) 1.0
B) Amplitude(cm) 10 , Period(s) 2.0
C) Amplitude(cm) 20, Period(s) 2.0
D) Amplitude(cm) 20, Period(s) 1.0

Homework Equations


I attempted to solve this without the use of equations, but I guess these could be relevant:
T = t/n
T = 1/f
a = -w*2 x

The Attempt at a Solution


I may have solved the problem without actually knowing it, but its good to make sure. My first guess is when I read "by pulling it down 10 cm and releasing it". I guessed this to be the amplitude since it was released from the extreme position (or atleast I think so), so that leaves me with anwser A or B. Since M was released from the extreme position, It means it would take it 2x0.5 seconds to get back and give us the time period.Therefore, I went for answer A.
Some confirmation would be great. Forgive me if I may have made some mistakes posting this or related - this is my first post on this site :)
 
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slymme said:

Homework Statement


A mass M hangs in equilibrium on a spring. M is made to oscillate about the equilibrium position by pulling it down 10 cm and releasing it. The time for M to travel back to the equilibrium position for the first time is 0.5s. Which line, A to D, is correct for these oscillations?
A) Amplitude(cm) 10 , Period(s) 1.0
B) Amplitude(cm) 10 , Period(s) 2.0
C) Amplitude(cm) 20, Period(s) 2.0
D) Amplitude(cm) 20, Period(s) 1.0

Homework Equations


I attempted to solve this without the use of equations, but I guess these could be relevant:
T = t/n
T = 1/f
a = -w*2 x

The Attempt at a Solution


I may have solved the problem without actually knowing it, but its good to make sure. My first guess is when I read "by pulling it down 10 cm and releasing it". I guessed this to be the amplitude since it was released from the extreme position (or atleast I think so), so that leaves me with anwser A or B. Since M was released from the extreme position, It means it would take it 2x0.5 seconds to get back and give us the time period.Therefore, I went for answer A.
Some confirmation would be great. Forgive me if I may have made some mistakes posting this or related - this is my first post on this site :)
0.5 s is needed to get to the equilibrium position from one of the extreme positions. But there are two extremes during one period. How much time is needed to go from one extreme to the opposite extreme?
 
ehild said:
0.5 s is needed to get to the equilibrium position from one of the extreme positions. But there are two extremes during one period. How much time is needed to go from one extreme to the opposite extreme?
1 second? so does that mean the time period is 2 seconds and thus the answer being B?
 
slymme said:
1 second? so does that mean the time period is 2 seconds and thus the answer being B?
Yes
 
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Likes   Reactions: slymme
ehild said:
Yes
I thank you good sir!
 
You are welcome:oldsmile:
 

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