Simple Harmonic Motion and equilibrium

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in simple harmonic motion involving a block hanging from a spring. The original poster seeks to determine the block's speed at a specific displacement from the equilibrium position, given initial conditions and parameters of the spring.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply equations of motion for simple harmonic motion but expresses confusion regarding their calculations and the expected result. Some participants suggest using the relationship between velocity, amplitude, and displacement to find the speed. Others question the definition of amplitude and its relation to the parameters provided.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the equations related to simple harmonic motion. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of amplitude and the correct application of the velocity formula. There is an ongoing exchange of ideas about the definitions and relationships within the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of clarity regarding the amplitude and its calculation, as well as the absence of time in the original problem setup. Participants are also grappling with the implications of their calculations and the physical meaning behind the equations used.

Patdon10
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Homework Statement



A 100-g block hangs from a spring with k = 5.2 N/m. At t = 0 s, the block is .20 m below the equilibrium position and moving upward with a speed of 2.10 m/s. What is the block's speed when the displacement from equilibrium is .324 m?

Homework Equations


w0=sqrt(k/m)
x(t) = Bsin(w0*t) + Ccos(w0*t)
v(t) = w0Bcos(w0*t)-w0Csin(w0*t)

The Attempt at a Solution


I know the answer is 1.02 m/s, and I'm not getting that at all : /

w0=sqrt(k/m)
= sqroot (5.2/.100) = 7.2111 rad/s

x(t) = Bsin(0) + Ccos(0)
x(t) = B

v(t) = w0Bcos(0) - w0sin(0)
v(t) = w0B
1.9 = 7.2111B ---> B = 0.26348

x(t) = Bsin(w0*t) + Ccos(w0*t)
0.297 = 0.26348*sin(7.2111*t) + (0.2)cos(7.2111*t)
0.297 = 0.03307344t + 0.19841808t
0.297 = 0.2314915203t
t = 1.28298436

v(t) = [(7.2111)(0.26348)cos(7.2111*1.28298436)] -
[(7.2111)(0.2)sin(7.2111*1.28298436)]

v(t) = 2.418364634 - 0.2318690865
v(t) = 2.31869 m/s


Can anyone see what I'm doing wrong? Thanks in advance!
 
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In the simple harmonic motion the velocity is given by

[tex]v = \omega\sqrt{(a^2 - x^2)}[/tex]

You have found ω. From the given data, you can find the amplitude a. In the second case using a and x, find v.
 
Is the amplitude simply:
x = Asin(w_0*t)

I don't think that equation would work, because I don't have a time in the given. Or would the amplitude simply be what B is, because it matches the amplitude equation.

edit:
of course that wouldn't make sense either because that would make V a non-real answer.
 
2.1 = 7.2111(a^2 - 0.2^2)^1/2

Solving this you get

a^2 = 0.1248. Next

v = 7.2111(0.1248 - 0.324^2)1/2

Solve this to find v.
 
Thanks for the response!

ok, I see now. I should have been able to figure that out from the givens. I didn't understand why you didn't have a squared on the amplitude in the equation, but I see you already added it. Why would my method not work? What am I doing wrong?
 
simple harmonic motion is expressed as

y = Asin(ωt) or x = Acos(ωt)

The velocity at any instant is given by

v = dy/dt = Aωcos(ωt) = ω(A^2 - y^2)^1/2
 

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