Oscillating in Simple Harmonic Motion?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a 200-g object oscillating in simple harmonic motion, with specific parameters such as amplitude and period. Participants are tasked with finding the velocity at a certain displacement from the equilibrium position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to find the spring constant, k, and its relation to the period of the mass-spring system. There are questions about the calculations leading to a negative value under the radical in the velocity equation, prompting further exploration of potential errors in reasoning or calculation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on considering the formula for the period of a mass-spring system and have encouraged showing calculations step by step. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of the calculated k value and its effect on the velocity calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of including units in calculations and express concerns about the accuracy of their computations, indicating a focus on ensuring proper mathematical handling of the problem.

jisrael93
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Homework Statement


A 200-g object is oscillating in simple harmonic monition with an amplitude of 2 cm and a period of 0.4 seconds. Find the velocity when its displacement from the equilibrium position is 0.5 cm.


Homework Equations


Restoring Force = -(constant force)(displacement)
Elastic PE = 1/2 k(s squared)
velocity = [itex]\sqrt{k/m(A squared - s squared}[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I just need help finding the constant force. If I can figure out how to solve that variable, I can finish the problem just fine.
 
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jisrael93 said:

Homework Statement


A 200-g object is oscillating in simple harmonic monition with an amplitude of 2 cm and a period of 0.4 seconds. Find the velocity when its displacement from the equilibrium position is 0.5 cm.

Homework Equations


Restoring Force = -(constant force)(displacement)
Elastic PE = 1/2 k(s squared)
velocity = [itex]\sqrt{k/m(A squared - s squared}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I just need help finding the constant force. If I can figure out how to solve that variable, I can finish the problem just fine.

I think you mean the "force constant", k, for the spring. Why not consider the formula for the period of a mass-spring system?

Also try using the x2 and x2 icons in the edit frame header to produce superscripts and subscripts :wink:
 
gneill said:
Also try using the x2 and x2 icons in the edit frame header to produce superscripts and subscripts :wink:

I missed them too.
Hope they are repositioned at Quick Symbols and adding new symbol, 1/2.

Thank you.
 
gneill said:
I think you mean the "force constant", k, for the spring. Why not consider the formula for the period of a mass-spring system?

Also try using the x2 and x2 icons in the edit frame header to produce superscripts and subscripts :wink:

Thanks, I'm not sure how I missed that - I think the first part of this homework fried my brain before I got to this and I just forgot to look at my other equations! However, when I acquired a k value of 49.35 and did the equation in my original post for velocity, I acquired a negative number under the radical, therefore giving me a non-real answer. Am I doing something wrong?
 
jisrael93 said:
Thanks, I'm not sure how I missed that - I think the first part of this homework fried my brain before I got to this and I just forgot to look at my other equations! However, when I acquired a k value of 49.35 and did the equation in my original post for velocity, I acquired a negative number under the radical, therefore giving me a non-real answer. Am I doing something wrong?

Your value for k looks fine (you should include units when you present a number).

The equation you wrote for velocity is okay. Maybe finger problems on the calculator? :smile:
Why not show your calculation step by step?
 

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