NEED HOMEWORK HELP Mass/Spring/Pendulum system

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mass-spring-pendulum system where a pendulum bob is attached to a spring. The problem involves deriving an expression for the period of oscillation for small-amplitude vibrations and determining the spring constant given specific parameters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the pendulum and spring dynamics, with one suggesting that the system behaves like a mass on a spring upon collision. Questions arise regarding the derivation of the period and the application of Newton's second law or energy methods.

Discussion Status

There is a lack of consensus on the next steps, with some participants expressing confusion about the problem and seeking further clarification. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of free-body diagrams and the connection between force and spring extension.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for a clear understanding of the equations of motion and the specific conditions under which the system operates, including the assumption of small-amplitude vibrations.

ss883
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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.
 

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