Oscillation amplitudeWhat is the amplitude of the oscillation?

In summary, a 1.4-kg cart attached to a horizontal spring with a spring constant of 60 N/m is set in motion with an initial velocity of 2.6 m/s away from its equilibrium position at a distance of 0.27m. Using the equations E=K+U and U=½kΔx2, the amplitude of the oscillation is found to be 0.324m and the speed of the cart at its equilibrium position is 3.14m/s.
  • #1
kolua
69
3

Homework Statement


A 1.4-kg cart is attached to a horizontal spring for which the spring constant is 60 N/m . The system is set in motion when the cart is 0.27m from its equilibrium position, and the initial velocity is 2.6 m/s directed away from the equilibrium position.

A. What is the amplitude of the oscillation?
B. What is the speed of the cart at its equilibrium position?

Homework Equations


E=K+U

The Attempt at a Solution


U=½kΔx2 =½⋅60⋅0.272=2.187J
K=½mv2=½⋅1.4⋅2.62=4.732J
E=K+U=½mvf2

Is this the right way to proceed?
 
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  • #2
  • #3
Your first equations are correct and the K+U for E (the total energy at that point) is correct, but now you need to balance T against the U of the spring at the maximum amplitude of the oscillation.
 
  • #4
kolua said:

Homework Statement


A 1.4-kg cart is attached to a horizontal spring for which the spring constant is 60 N/m . The system is set in motion when the cart is 0.27m from its equilibrium position, and the initial velocity is 2.6 m/s directed away from the equilibrium position.

A. What is the amplitude of the oscillation?
B. What is the speed of the cart at its equilibrium position?

Homework Equations


E=K+U

The Attempt at a Solution


U=½kΔx2 =½⋅60⋅0.272=2.187J
K=½mv2=½⋅1.4⋅2.62=4.732J
E=K+U=½mvf2

Is this the right way to proceed?
Yes, that will give you the answer to one part. What about the other?
 
  • #5
haruspex said:
Yes, that will give you the answer to one part. What about the other?
the Velocity at the equilibrium would be, √(2(2.187+4.732)/1.4)=Ve=3.14m/s
then E=½mVe2=½kΔX2, this X here would be the amplitude. X=0.324
 
  • #6
kolua said:
the Velocity at the equilibrium would be, √(2(2.187+4.732)/1.4)=Ve=3.14m/s
then E=½mVe2=½kΔX2, this X here would be the amplitude. X=0.324
Haven't checked the numbers in detail, but that looks right.
 

What is the amplitude of the oscillation?

The amplitude of an oscillation is the maximum displacement or distance from the equilibrium position of the oscillating object.

How is the amplitude of an oscillation measured?

The amplitude of an oscillation is typically measured as the distance from the equilibrium position to the highest point of the oscillation, or the peak amplitude.

What factors affect the amplitude of an oscillation?

The amplitude of an oscillation can be affected by various factors such as the initial energy or force applied to the object, the frequency of the oscillation, and any external forces acting on the object.

What is the relationship between amplitude and frequency in an oscillation?

Generally, in a simple harmonic motion, the amplitude and frequency of an oscillation are inversely proportional. This means that as the amplitude increases, the frequency decreases and vice versa.

Can the amplitude of an oscillation change over time?

Yes, the amplitude of an oscillation can change over time due to factors such as damping or resonance. Damping causes the amplitude to decrease over time, while resonance can cause the amplitude to increase if the oscillation is in sync with an external force.

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