Simple Hamonic Motion(spring system)

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In summary, the problem involves two blocks (m=1Kg, M=10Kg) and a spring (k=200N/m) on a horizontal frictionless surface. The smaller block sits atop the larger block and there is a coefficient of static friction of 0.40 between the two blocks. The goal is to find the amplitude of simple harmonic motion of the spring-block system that will cause the smaller block to slip off the larger block. To solve this, one must calculate the maximum acceleration that will cause the block's horizontal force to overcome static friction and use this to determine the maximum initial displacement using the equation mx''+kx=0.
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Homework Statement




Two blocks (m=1Kg, M=10Kg) and a spring (k=200N/m) are arranged on a horizontal frictionless surface. The coefficient of static friction between the two blocks is 0.40 (the small block sits atop the large block). What amplitude of simple harmonic motion of the spring-blocks system puts the smaller block on the verge of slipping over the large block?


Homework Equations



I can calculate angular frequency using [tex]w=\sqrt{k/m}[/tex]...not sure if this is helpful..and [tex]E=1/2kx_m^2[/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution



The block will slip off when the acceleration of the system is a maximum, this happens at [tex]+/- x_m[/tex]..im not sure how to rlate the friction into the equation, help getting started would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
So you can solve what value of acceleration will cause the block's horizontal force to overcome static friction. You can then go back to the derivation of simple harmonic motion equations (i.e) mx''+kx=0, and figure out what the maximum initial displacement is.
 
  • #3
Ok, so after finding Fmax and when calculating the accelration...do I use the mass of the system (11kg)?

and can I use (-w^2)x=a?
 
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1. What is simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which an object moves back and forth along a straight line with a constant period and amplitude. It occurs when a restoring force, such as that of a spring, is proportional to the displacement of the object from its equilibrium position.

2. What is a spring system?

A spring system, also known as a harmonic oscillator, is a physical system that exhibits simple harmonic motion. It consists of a mass attached to a spring, which is able to move back and forth along a straight line.

3. What is the equation for calculating the period of a spring system?

The period of a spring system can be calculated using the equation T = 2π√(m/k), where T is the period, m is the mass attached to the spring, and k is the spring constant.

4. What factors affect the frequency of a spring system?

The frequency of a spring system is affected by the mass attached to the spring, the spring constant, and the amplitude of the motion. The frequency increases as the mass or spring constant increases, and decreases as the amplitude increases.

5. How is simple harmonic motion used in real-life applications?

Simple harmonic motion is used in a variety of real-life applications, such as in mechanical clocks, pendulums, and musical instruments. It also plays a role in the study of earthquakes and the motion of planets around the sun.

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