NEED HOMEWORK HELP Mass/Spring/Pendulum system

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the period of a mass-spring-pendulum system, specifically for small-amplitude vibrations. The mass (M) is 1.80 kg, and the period of the pendulum without the spring is given as 2.90 seconds. The objective is to find the spring constant (k) when the period of the combined system is 1.45 seconds. The user is advised to utilize the formula for the period of a pendulum and apply Newton's second law alongside the spring force equation to derive the necessary expressions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion (SHM)
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law of motion
  • Knowledge of spring force and Hooke's law
  • Ability to draw and interpret free-body diagrams
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  • Derive the expression for the period of a mass-spring system
  • Learn how to apply Newton's second law to oscillating systems
  • Study the relationship between spring constant (k) and oscillation frequency
  • Explore energy methods for deriving equations of motion in oscillatory systems
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and oscillatory motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to mass-spring systems and pendulum dynamics.

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Homework Statement



The figure below shows a pendulum of length L with a bob of mass M. The bob is attached to a spring that has a force constant k. When the bob is directly below the pendulum support, the spring is unstressed. Derive an expression for the period of this oscillating system for small-amplitude vibrations (assume there is no displacement from the horizontal). Suppose that M = 1.80 kg and L is such that in the absence of the spring the period is 2.90 s. What is the force constant k if the period of the oscillating system is 1.45 s?

2. The attempt at a solution

Tpendulum = 2pi*\sqrt{L/g}
then L= 2.089 m

...I seriously have no idea what to do next please help asap.
 
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I think essentially what they are asking for is that when the pendulum collides with the spring, the mass sticks to the spring and then it oscillates. So it is essentially just a mass on a spring. In that case you can the expression for the force on a spring to get the SHM equation for it. (Start by writing how force relates to extension and spring constant, then apply Newton's 2nd law)
 
...can you try to solve it? When I say I have no idea how to do this problem, I mean I really don't get it.

Or at least give me a formula/derivation
 
ss883 said:
...can you try to solve it? When I say I have no idea how to do this problem, I mean I really don't get it.

Or at least give me a formula/derivation

Do you know how to derive equations of motion using energy methods or by using Newton's second law?

For both methods you need to draw a free-body diagram. So start with that.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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