Relation Between Spring Constant and Angular Velocity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the spring constant (k), angular velocity (ω), and the time period (T) of an oscillating particle. Participants explore the mathematical derivation of the equation k/m = ω², its implications, and the connections to periodic motion, specifically in the context of spring-mass systems.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation k/m = ω² and seeks clarification on its derivation and meaning in relation to angular velocity and the spring constant.
  • Another participant explains the relationship between angular velocity and frequency, providing the formula T = 2π/ω and its implications for periodic motion.
  • Several participants discuss the derivation of the differential equation ∂²x/∂t² + (k/m)⋅x = 0 from Newton's second law and Hooke's law, with some expressing confusion about the transition from k⋅x = -m⋅∂²x/∂t² to the standard form of the differential equation.
  • One participant clarifies that the expression k/(m.x) should be interpreted as (k/m)⋅x, addressing a misunderstanding regarding the notation.
  • There is a discussion about the equivalence of sine and cosine functions in the context of periodic motion, noting that both can be used to describe displacement in oscillatory systems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the mathematical relationships involved, with some clarifying points for others. However, there is no consensus on the initial confusion regarding the differential equation's form, indicating that multiple interpretations or understandings exist.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of notation and clarity in mathematical expressions, suggesting that misunderstandings may arise from how equations are presented. The discussion also reflects differing levels of familiarity with the underlying physics and mathematics.

Simanto Rahman
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I was going through Periodic Motion chapter of my book and came across an equation while defining the relation between Time Period of on oscillating particle and force constant.
k/m=w2

which was applied in, T = 2xpie/angular velocity

can anyone please help me define this equation. I can't seem to find any explanation for it in my textbook.
 
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ω = angular velocity in rad / s

2⋅π corresponds to one full rotation (2⋅π rad = 360°). If you want to know how many rotations are made in one second, you calculate ω / (2⋅π) = f with f = frequency in s-1. Now you calculated how many rotations per second correspond to your ω. The frequency is the inverse value of the time T, which is needed for one rotation (if something rotates two times per second, it needs 1/2 seconds for one rotation).

→ T = 1 / f = (2⋅π) / ω
 
I understand the relation between angular velocity and Time period. What I don't understand is the relation between angular velocity and Spring Constant/Force constant (K) which is given as k/m= w2
 
F is the force to bring a spring-mass system in it's initial position. The (same) force in the spring accelerates the mass in the opposite direction:

Newton's 2nd law: F = - m⋅a = - m ⋅ ∂2x / ∂t2
Hooke's law: F = k ⋅ x

→ k ⋅ x = - m ⋅ ∂2x / ∂t2 → ∂2x / ∂t2 + k/m⋅x = 0

the solution of this DE can be obtained with x = A ⋅ cos (ω⋅t) → -A⋅ω2⋅cos(ω⋅t)+k/m⋅A⋅cos(ω⋅t) = 0 | / A , / cos(ω⋅t)

→ k/m = ω2
 
stockzahn said:
F is the force to bring a spring-mass system in it's initial position. The (same) force in the spring accelerates the mass in the opposite direction:

Newton's 2nd law: F = - m⋅a = - m ⋅ ∂2x / ∂t2
Hooke's law: F = k ⋅ x

→ k ⋅ x = - m ⋅ ∂2x / ∂t2 → ∂2x / ∂t2 + k/m⋅x = 0

the solution of this DE can be obtained with x = A ⋅ cos (ω⋅t) → -A⋅ω2⋅cos(ω⋅t)+k/m⋅A⋅cos(ω⋅t) = 0 | / A , / cos(ω⋅t)

→ k/m = ω2
But what I didn't get is how,
k ⋅ x = - m ⋅ ∂2x / ∂t2
becomes
2x / ∂t2 + k/m⋅x = 0

I see no way that displacement and mass can get into a multiplication format with each other. If we cross multiply it then we get, k.x/m + d2x/dt2 = 0

And I thought displacement of a particle in Periodic motion is,
x = Asin(w.t)
or, x = A.sin(w.t + δ) when δ is the initial phase.
 
Alright I did the entire math on my notebook. Figured out your equation. its not k/(m.x) is (k/m).x
The use of brackets would've been nice but I got it. And I see now that you directly differentiated twice the value A.sin(w.t) for the last step. Thank you very much for your help!
 
Simanto Rahman said:
2x / ∂t2 + k/m⋅x = 0

k.x/m + d2x/dt2 = 0

There is no difference in these to equations, maybe I should have written it like this: ∂2x / ∂t2 + (k/m)⋅x = 0

Simanto Rahman said:
And I thought displacement of a particle in Periodic motion is,
x = Asin(w.t)
or, x = A.sin(w.t + δ) when δ is the initial phase.

At t = 0 the displacement is maximal and therefore A⋅cos (ω⋅t) = A⋅cos (0) = A. A sine curve and a cosine curve are the same, they are just shifted w.r.t. each other (by π/2).

A⋅sin(ω⋅t + π/2) = A⋅cos(ω⋅t)

But try to solve the DE with x = A⋅sin(ω⋅t + π/2) or x = A⋅sin(ω⋅t), you will obtain the same result.
 
Simanto Rahman said:
But what I didn't get is how,
k ⋅ x = - m ⋅ ∂2x / ∂t2
becomes
2x / ∂t2 + k/m⋅x = 0
Perhaps the way that last equation is written is throwing you off. The second term is better written as (k/m)x.

(I see you've figured it out!)
 

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