Simple harmonic frequency clarification

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the frequency of oscillation for a mass-spring system, specifically a massless spring with a given spring constant and a mass attached to it. The problem is situated within the context of simple harmonic motion.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the application of the formula for frequency in simple harmonic motion, questioning the calculations and the use of the square root function. There is uncertainty about the correct interpretation of the results and the calculations involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in verifying calculations and discussing potential errors in the use of their calculators. There is a focus on ensuring the correct application of the formula, but no consensus has been reached regarding the final numerical outcome.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that participants are working under the assumption that the spring was unstretched before the mass was released, and they are exploring the implications of this assumption on their calculations.

Rasine
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A massless spring with spring constant 23.5 N/m hangs vertically. A body of mass 0.30 kg is attached to its free end and then released. Assume that the spring was unstretched before the body was released.

What is the frequency of oscillation of the resulting motion, assumed to be simple harmonic?

ok so f=(1/2pi)[sqroot(k/m)] because w=sqroot(k/m) and f=w/2pi

so i have (1/2pi)[sqroot(23.5/.30)] which is 13.90...right?

and the units would be Hz right because w is in rad/s and that divided by rad would give cycles/s


i think i am doing something wrong. please point it out to me.
 
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Rasine said:
so i have (1/2pi)[sqroot(23.5/.30)] which is 13.90...right?

Your thinking and your equation are OK. Maybe your calculator is broken :smile:

Hint: my calculator says sqrt(23.5/0.3) = 8.85
 
thats what i get too but the formula says that 8.85 should be divided by 2pi which is 13.90

is that calculation right? should i do that?
 
On my calculator 8.85 x PI / 2 = 13.90. I guess you are pushing the wrong buttons.

2pi is about 6.28. There is no way that 8.85/6.28 could be 13.90 !
 

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