Period of Oscillation for vertical spring

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the period of oscillation for a mass suspended from a vertical spring, specifically considering the effects of gravity on the oscillation period. The mass is given as 0.25 kg and the spring constant as 10 N/m.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss whether the same equations used for horizontal springs can be applied to vertical springs, particularly in the context of gravitational effects. There is a focus on understanding the role of gravity in determining the midpoint of oscillation and its potential impact on the period.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants questioning the necessity of considering gravity in the calculations. There is a divergence in opinions regarding the application of the equations, and guidance has been offered to consider the forces acting on the mass.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of gravity on the spring's behavior, with some suggesting to disregard it while others emphasize its importance. The original poster's approach and assumptions are under scrutiny, particularly regarding the setup of the problem.

conniebear14
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Homework Statement



A mass m=.25 kg is suspended from an ideal Hooke's law spring which has a spring constant k=10 N/m. If the mass moves up and down in the Earth's gravitational field near Earth's surface find period of oscillation.

Homework Equations



T=1/f period equals one over frequency
T= 2pi/w two pi/angular velocity
f=w/2pi
w= (k/m)^1/2
T=2pi/sqrt(k/m)

The Attempt at a Solution



Using these equations I found periods for springs that were horizontally gliding, my question is can I use these same formulas for a vertical spring? Does gravity have to be taken into account?
 
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conniebear14 said:
Does gravity have to be taken into account?
Yes. Since it partly offsets the tension in the spring, it could affect the period. But I'm not asserting that it does. Think about where the mid point of the oscillation will be in terms of spring extension.
 
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Okay, for this problem let's not take gravity into account. Are my equations correct? Can I use the same approach that I used for a horizontal spring?
 
conniebear14 said:
Okay, for this problem let's not take gravity into account.
I don't understand. I thought I just advised you to take gravity into account. Just write down the equation for ƩF=ma.
 

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