Oscillations and Waves of a spring

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a mass-spring system undergoing simple harmonic motion. The original poster presents a scenario where a 2.00-kg object is attached to a spring and experiences a force when displaced from its equilibrium position. The problem includes multiple parts that require finding the spring constant, frequency, maximum speed, maximum acceleration, and total energy of the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Hooke's law to find the spring constant and question the correctness of the original poster's calculations. There are inquiries about the definitions of amplitude and maximum speed, as well as the relationships between potential and kinetic energy in the system.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on the formulas and concepts involved, while others express uncertainty about specific calculations and interpretations. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between variables in the context of the problem, but no consensus has been reached on the correctness of the original poster's approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential errors in calculations and the need for clarification on certain terms, such as amplitude and the conditions under which maximum speed and acceleration occur. The original poster's uncertainty about the problem's complexity is also acknowledged.

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Can someone please help me with this question?:confused:

A 2.00-kg object is attached to a spring and placed on a horizontal, smooth surface. A horizontal force of 20.0 N is required to hold the object at rest when it is pulled 0.200 m from its equilibrium position (the origin of the x axis) The object is now released from rest with an initial position of x= 0.200m, and it subsequenly undergoes simple harmonic oscillations. Find
(a) the force constant of the spring,
(b) the frequency of the oscillations, and
(c) the maximum speed of the object. Where does this maximum speed occur?
(d) Find the maximum acceleration of the object. Where does it occur?
(e) Find the total energy of the oscillation system.
(f) Find the speed
(g) Find the acceleration of the object when its position is equal to one third of the maximum value.
 
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Can you show some of your working/thoughts?
 
Tina is that you? Please show us your work lol.
 
my work

Here is my work... I'm not 100% sure.. This questions is hard...
Mass = 2.00 kg
F= 20.0 N
x = 0.200m

(a) finding K
F= 0.5kx^2 if that is the right formula
20.0 N = 0.5k(0.2)^2
K= 1000 N/m

(b) Since w is also frequency but is in s^-1
w= (k/m)^1/2
w= (1000/2.00)^1/2
w= 22.36 s^-1

(c) Vmax = wA... What is A? I am treating A as being the same as x.. I don't know how to do this question.
Vmax = (22.36)(0.2)
Vmax = 4.472 m/s
Where does it occur?? no idea what formula to use.

(d) Amax = w^2A.. again?? is this the right formula?

(e) Total energy?
E = 0.5 kA^2 or is it kinetic energy + potential energy??

(f) Find the speed.. formula for speed is
v = w/k..
so if this is right.. then
22.36/1000.. so v is 0.02236

(g) No idea


Please Help me!:confused:
 
(a) The spring constant, [itex]k[/itex] is given by Hooke's law for springs: [tex]F = -kx[/tex]. I think you answer is wrong by a factor of ten.

(b)It looks like you've worked out [itex]\omega[/itex] correctly but remember [tex]f = \frac{\omega}{2\pi}[/tex]. Your error in (a) follows through here.

(c)Your formula is correct but there are follow through errors from the previous questions, A is amplitude or maximum displacement. As the spring is stretch it gains elastic potential energy. Once the spring is released and begins to recoil the elastic potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. When the spring is in neither compression or tension there is no elastic potential energy in the spring, the energy of the system must remain constant therefore all of the elastic potential energy must be in the form of kinetic energy. So where is the velocity the greatest?

(d)Correct formula except [itex]a = -\omega^2 x[/itex] because the acceleration is always in the opposite direction to the displacement (towards the equilibrium position)

(e)Your formula [itex]E = \frac{1}{2} k A[/itex]is correct.

(f)I don't understand the question. Find the speed when? The speed is variable in any mass/spring system.

(g)[tex]a = -\omega^2 x[/tex] where x is displacement. You know the amplitude so [itex]x = \frac{1}{3}A[/itex]
 

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