Optimizing MCAT Physics: Understanding Oscillation with Two Springs

  • Thread starter Thread starter jehan4141
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the oscillation of two springs with equal masses but different spring constants, focusing on their maximum velocity, displacement, total energy, frequency, and period. Participants are exploring the relationships between these variables in the context of oscillatory motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the implications of different spring constants on oscillatory behavior, questioning the definitions of displacement and amplitude, and discussing the relationships between frequency, velocity, and spring constants.

Discussion Status

Some participants have expressed uncertainty regarding the distinction between displacement and amplitude, while others have proposed that a larger spring constant could lead to a higher maximum velocity. There is an ongoing exploration of how these concepts interrelate, with no explicit consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the definitions of terms used in the problem statement and the implications of the equations related to oscillation, while also considering the constraints of the problem as presented.

jehan4141
Messages
90
Reaction score
0
Two springs with equal masses attached but with different spring constants (k) oscillate with the same amplitude. The spring with the larger spring constant (k) has:

a. a higher maximum velocity
b. a larger maximum displacement
c. a lower total energy
d. a lower frequency of oscillation
e. a longer period of oscillationI'm pretty certain that it is not C, D, E based on the equations for both period and frequency and the formula for Potential Energy = 1/2 kx^2

I think it is between A and B. Please help :) thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
jehan4141 said:
Two springs with equal masses attached but with different spring constants (k) oscillate with the same amplitude. The spring with the larger spring constant (k) has:

a. a higher maximum velocity
b. a larger maximum displacement
c. a lower total energy
d. a lower frequency of oscillation
e. a longer period of oscillation


I'm pretty certain that it is not C, D, E based on the equations for both period and frequency and the formula for Potential Energy = 1/2 kx^2

I think it is between A and B. Please help :) thank you!

Welcome to the PF.

Is there a difference between "displacement" and "amplitude"?
 
What's another name for maximum displacement? Does the term appear in the question statement?
 
I am unsure if there is a difference.. :( There is no further clarification.

I have a feeling that it could be A based on the fact that, the larger the spring constant (k), the larger the frequency --> f = (1/2pi)(sqrt k/m)If you plug in a large frequency into the equation velocity = frequency x wavelength, you get a higher velocity. However, the thing is, you can only change the velocity of a wave by changing the medium that the wave propagates through. Since we are using 2 different springs, with 2 different spring constants, does this mean we have different mediums? Because that would make A the answer I believe.

THANK YOU FOR THE WARM WELCOME...this message board is awesome!
 
oh and, I know that amplitude has NO EFFECT on period if that helps?
 

Similar threads

Sliding block hits and compresses a spring
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Two spring-coupled masses in an electric field (one of the masses is charged)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Oscillations of load with spring after rod is suddenly stopped
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
How to Calculate Amplitude Decrease in Damped Harmonic Motion After 10 Cycles?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Estimating damped harmonic oscillator parameters from this plot of the oscillations
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Finding Spring Constant & Energy w/ Doubt in Exercise
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Period and Velocity of Oscillating Sphere Attached to Spring
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Difference between resonance in undamped vs damped mass-spring-dashpot
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
What is the Period of Oscillation for a Spring Cut to One-Third Its Length?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K