Simple Harmonic Motion and maximum velocity

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two problems related to simple harmonic motion (SHM) and the behavior of springs under different conditions. The first problem involves comparing the spring constants of two springs based on their oscillation characteristics, while the second problem examines the stretching of a spring when a mass is whirled in a circle versus when it hangs motionless.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equations governing SHM and attempt to equate maximum velocities for the first problem. In the second problem, there are attempts to relate centripetal acceleration to spring constant and questions about the correct radius to use in calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the equations and relationships involved, while others express uncertainty about their calculations and the values they are using. There is a mix of attempts to solve both problems, with some participants indicating they have reached answers while others are still seeking clarification.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework assignments, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is also a noted confusion regarding the application of different values in the equations.

kiro626
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
[SOLVED] Simple Harmonic Motion

I'm really having a hard time solving these two problems.

1. Objects of equal mass are oscillating up and down in simple harmonic motion on two different vertical springs. The spring constant of spring 1 is 174 N/m. The motion of the object on spring 1 has twice the amplitude as the motion of the object on spring 2. The magnitude of the maximum velocity is the same in each case. Find the spring constant of spring 2.

Homework Equations


the relevant equations are those for SHM. F=kx and f=-kx.

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried the formulas but I still can't find the answer. The answer is supposed to be 696N/m
2nd problem:

A small ball is attached to one end of a spring that has an unstrained length of 0.200 m. The spring is held by the other end, and the ball is whirled around in a horizontal circle at a speed of 3.00 m/s. The spring remains nearly parallel to the ground during the motion and is observed to stretch by 0.010 m. By how much would the spring stretch if it were attached to the ceiling and the ball allowed to hang straight down, motionless?

Homework Equations


same as the one above

The Attempt at a Solution


Again with this one, I tried solving it using the same formula but I can't figure how to use the velocity since its in m/s rather than rad/s for uniform circular motion. The answer is supposed to be 2.29 x 10^-3

Any help would be gladly appreciated
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
This is quite a neat problem. The position of the spring is given by [itex]y = A sin(\omega t)[/itex] where [itex]A[/itex] is the amplitude and [itex]\omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}[/itex]. You need to work out what the velocity will be and then set them equal. REmember the max velocity will be at the equilibrium point.
 
I already solved the first problem but I still can't figure the second one out. I tried equating the constant of spring since they would be equal but it give me 2.18x10^-3 so its a little off
 
Last edited:
WEll if you show your full work it would help me. I suspect you're using the wrong value for r.
 
uhmm... for the second problem i used the equation:

ma = kx

wherein a is centripetal acceleration
i used 0.2 as the r and then 0.01 as the x to get the k then i equated the k from the second equation that i made which is:

mg = kx(sub2)

I'm not really sure about it
 
Last edited:
it shall do a lot of good if you tell us why are you not sure?
 
kiro626 said:
uhmm... for the second problem i used the equation:

ma = kx

wherein a is centripetal acceleration
i used 0.2 as the r and then 0.01 as the x to get the k then i equated the k from the second equation that i made which is:

mg = kx(sub2)

I'm not really sure about it

I'd have used 0.21 as r.
 
Kurdt said:
I'd have used 0.21 as r.

thanks I finally got the answer. I finally understood it ^^ thanks very much.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
997
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K