Position of Mass (Spring Mass Sytem)

In summary, the conversation discusses the determination of the position of a mass attached to a spring at t = 0.5 seconds, assuming no damping. Using the given force and mass, the spring constant is calculated as 250 N/m. The equation x(t) = -0.05cos( (50^1/2) t) is used to find the position of the mass at t = 0.5 seconds, but the incorrect answer of -0.049904837 is obtained due to taking the cosine in degrees instead of radians. The correct answer is -0.04617.
  • #1
Kanashii
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0

Homework Statement


A force of 10 Newtons can stretch a spring by 0.04 m. Suppose a mass of 5 kg is attached to the lower end of the spring. We stretch the mass downward by 0.05 m from its equilibrium position and release it from rest. Determine the position of the mass relative to its equilibrium position at t = 0.5 seconds. Assume no damping.

Homework Equations


k = F/x
w= k/m
x(t) = A cos wt + B sin wt

The Attempt at a Solution


k = 10/ 0.04 = 250 N/m
x(0) = -0.05
x`(0) = 0
w= (250/5)^1/2 = 50^1/2
equation x(t) = -0.05cos( (50^1/2) t))
substituting t= 0.5, -0.049904837
but the answer is -0.04617 I do not know where I messed up.
 
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  • #2
Kanashii said:
equation x(t) = -0.05cos( (50^1/2) t))
substituting t= 0.5, -0.049904837
but the answer is -0.04617 I do not know where I messed up.
You've taken the cosine of the angle in degrees, but it should be in radians.
 
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Likes Kanashii
  • #3
Jonathan Scott said:
You've taken the cosine of the angle in degrees, but it should be in radians.
Oooohhh
Thank you very much!
 

1. What is a spring mass system?

A spring mass system is a physical system that consists of a mass attached to a spring. The mass can move back and forth due to the force exerted by the spring.

2. What is the equilibrium position in a spring mass system?

The equilibrium position in a spring mass system is the position where the spring is neither stretched nor compressed, and the net force acting on the mass is zero.

3. How is the position of mass related to the spring constant?

The position of mass is directly proportional to the spring constant. This means that as the spring constant increases, the position of the mass will also increase, and vice versa.

4. What is the relationship between the position of mass and the amplitude of oscillation in a spring mass system?

The position of mass is directly related to the amplitude of oscillation in a spring mass system. As the position of the mass increases, the amplitude of oscillation also increases, and vice versa.

5. How does the mass affect the period of oscillation in a spring mass system?

The mass has an inverse relationship with the period of oscillation in a spring mass system. This means that as the mass increases, the period of oscillation will decrease, and vice versa.

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