Pendulum/Simple Harmonic Motion, what is its energy of motion?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy of motion for a 1.2 kg mass attached to a spring oscillating with an amplitude of 5.1 cm and a frequency of 2.1 Hz. Participants confirm the use of the kinetic energy formula KE=1/2mv², emphasizing the need to determine the maximum velocity (vmax) in simple harmonic motion (SHM) using the equation vmax = Aω. The total energy of the system remains constant, comprising kinetic energy and potential energy, regardless of whether the oscillation is vertical or horizontal.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy formula KE=1/2mv²
  • Knowledge of simple harmonic motion (SHM) principles
  • Familiarity with the relationship between amplitude, angular frequency, and maximum velocity
  • Basic concepts of potential energy in spring systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive the spring constant from mass and oscillation frequency
  • Study the relationship between amplitude and maximum velocity in SHM
  • Explore energy conservation principles in oscillatory systems
  • Investigate the effects of damping on simple harmonic motion
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of oscillatory systems and energy transformations in simple harmonic motion.

nicoleb14
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A 1.2 kg mass attached to a spring oscillates with an amplitude of 5.1 cm and a frequency of 2.1 Hz. What is its energy of motion?

I just have to use KE=1/2mv^2 right?
do I have to involve the amplitude?
 
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In SHM the KE is continually varying. So you are asking for the MAX KE, right?
 
I just need the energy of motion, so i guess that means KE max?
 
The KE max will be the total energy of the motion.
You are correct to use KE=1/2mv^2 but you need an expression for vmax in simple harmonic motion. You will need to find the spring constant (stiffness) and use this to find the max velocity.
Do you know these equations?
 
What is the max linear velocity in SHM?
 
Vmax=Aw
 
Then you can find max ke = (1/2)mv^2 and use v = Aw
 
thank you sooo muuuch! :D
 
nicoleb14 said:
A 1.2 kg mass attached to a spring oscillates with an amplitude of 5.1 cm and a frequency of 2.1 Hz. What is its energy of motion?

I just have to use KE=1/2mv^2 right?
do I have to involve the amplitude?

Is this mass hanging from the spring, or is this whole situation taking place horizontally??
 
  • #10
the problem doesn't say
 
  • #11
nicoleb14 said:
the problem doesn't say

Assuming it is vertical, there is a constant interchange of elastic energy in the spring, gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.

The total of them at any time will be constant.

That might be what is meant by the energy of the motion.

Even if the situation is horizontal [so no change in gravitational potential energy] there is a steady interchange between elastic potential energy and kinetic energy.
 

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