SHM - mass-spring system on frictionless horizontal surface

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a mass-spring system on a frictionless horizontal surface, where a block is compressed by a force and released, leading to oscillations. The tasks include finding the spring constant, amplitude, velocity at a certain distance, and the time taken to travel that distance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the spring constant and amplitude but encounters issues with negative values in the velocity equation. Some participants question the relationship between the starting point and the equilibrium position, particularly regarding the distance from equilibrium when the block is 30 cm from the starting point.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, clarifying assumptions about the equilibrium position and the implications of the amplitude. There is a productive exchange of ideas, with some guidance provided regarding the relationship between distances in the system.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's calculations and assumptions about the amplitude and equilibrium position are under discussion, highlighting potential misunderstandings in the setup of the problem.

trusean
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 250 g block is resting on a frictionless horizontal surface. The block is attached to a
spring. The mass-spring system is compressed by a 2.5 N force and then released from
rest.
(a) The resulting oscillation has a 1.0 s period. What is the spring constant?
(b) What is the amplitude of the oscillation?
(c) How fast is the block moving when it is 30.0 cm from its starting point?
(d) How long does the block take to travel this distance?


Homework Equations


T=2Pi/omega
T=2Pi*sqroot(m/k)
E=1/2mv^2 + 1/2kx^2=1/2kA^2
v=omega*sqroot(A^2-x^2)
m=mass
k=spring constant
A=amplitude

The Attempt at a Solution



I have solved for a) the spring constant, 9.87N/m. Then I tryed to use Fs=2.5N to solve for the A by applying the equation F=-kx, where x would repersent the amplitude. This is not working out because my A=0.25m and when inputed into equation for velocity, I get a negitive value under the square root, not allowed. So I was wondering if anyone had some input on this problem. Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Realize that the starting point is not the equilibrium point. 30 cm from the starting point will bring you how far from equilibrium?
 
Sorry it took so long to answer. Having the amplitude equal 25cm, I am thinking it is located 25cm from the equilibrium, and thus 30cm from the starting point would be 5cm from the equilibrium?
 
You got it!
 
cool, thank you very much for your help, have a good one. And by the way, I just found this forum and I think this is a great tool for students, keep it up. peace
 

Similar threads

Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Sliding block hits and compresses a spring
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Does amplitude depend on mass in SHM?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
Stretching of a rotating spring
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Free Body Diagram of Mass-Spring System
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Amplitude of a mass joined to a spring in the presence of an E-field
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Difference between resonance in undamped vs damped mass-spring-dashpot
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Time period of SHM & Energy conservation in pulley-spring-block system
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Oscillation Problem -- Ball mass on the end of a horizontal spring
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Trouble understanding the influence of a real spring in a system
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K