Shm question -- a mass hanging on a spring vertically set into motion

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a mass hanging on a vertically oriented spring, which is set into motion after being raised and released. The mass oscillates between two heights and the motion is modeled by a cosine function with constants to be determined.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the determination of the period of oscillation and the value of the constant b in the function. There is consideration of the amplitude and center of the oscillation based on the extremes of the motion. Questions arise about the correctness of initial conditions and the relationship between frequency and period.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, checking each other's reasoning and calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the identification of constants and the relationship between frequency and period, but no consensus has been reached on the specific values yet.

Contextual Notes

There are discussions about the correctness of initial conditions and the setup of the cosine function, indicating potential assumptions or missing information regarding the constants involved.

jiboom
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A mass on the end of a spring which is hanging vertically is raised up and let go. It then oscillates between 2m and 1.5m above the floor and completes 32 cycles in one minute. The height, h metres, of the mass above the floor after t seconds can be modeled by the function h=acos(pi t / 180) +c where a, b and c are constants.

(a) Determine exactly the period, T, of the oscillation in seconds per cycle and hence find the value of b.

(b) By considering the extremes of the oscillation, work out the values of a and c.

(c) Calculate exactly the value of h when t = 25 seconds.

(d) Find the first time when h = 1.75 metres.

(e) Sketch the graph of h against t for , labelling axes and critical values carefully.
Can I just check my answers please
For first part I have said frequency is 32/60 per sec
Period is 2pi/pi b/180 to give me b
Then I have said this is just shm moved up distance c so
Center is 2+1.5 /2 =1.75
Amplitude is .25 so A is .25
And at t=0 H=2=A+C giving me C
 
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jiboom said:
h=acos(pi t / 180) +c where a, b and c are constants.
You missed b. Is it h=acos(pi b t / 180) +c?
jiboom said:
For first part I have said frequency is 32/60 per sec
Period is 2pi/pi b/180 to give me b
OK, but giving you what value for b?
jiboom said:
Center is 2+1.5 /2 =1.75
Amplitude is .25 so A is .25
Yes.
 
haruspex said:
You missed b. Is it h=acos(pi b t / 180) +c?

OK, but giving you what value for b?

Yes.
Yes the b should be as in your reply.

To find b ill use frequency is 1/period
Are my conditions correct, ie H is 2 at t is 0?
Thanks
 
jiboom said:
Yes the b should be as in your reply.

To find b ill use frequency is 1/period
Are my conditions correct, ie H is 2 at t is 0?
Thanks
Yes.
 

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