Simple Harmonic Motion and speed of mass

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the speed of a mass in a mass-spring system oscillating with an amplitude of 10.0 cm, specifically at the point where kinetic energy equals potential energy. The relevant equations include Newton's second law (F = ma) and Hooke's law (F = -kx), leading to the differential equation x'' + (k/m)x = 0. The solution involves differentiating the position function x(t) = 0.1sin(√[k/m]t) to find velocity v(t) and applying the energy conservation equation (1/2)mv² = (1/2)kx². The conclusion is that a numerical solution for speed is not feasible without additional information on k and m, as dimensional analysis confirms the need for velocity or acceleration to derive speed.

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  • Understanding of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
  • Familiarity with differential equations
  • Knowledge of energy conservation in oscillatory systems
  • Basic principles of dimensional analysis
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  • Study the derivation of the mass-spring system equations in detail
  • Learn about energy conservation in oscillatory motion
  • Explore dimensional analysis techniques in physics
  • Investigate the effects of varying spring constant (k) and mass (m) on oscillation speed
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and oscillatory motion, as well as educators looking for examples of energy conservation in mass-spring systems.

e^(i Pi)+1=0
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Homework Statement


[/B]
A mass-spring system is oscillating with an amplitude of 10.0 cm. What is the speed of the mass at a location where the kinetic energy of the mass and the potential energy of the spring are equal?

I want to know if it's possible to solve for just a number, that is, not in terms of k and m. Also if my answer is right as it is. Thanks.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
Force equals ma and also -kx
ma = -kx
ma+kx = 0
x''+(k/m)x = 0

Solve the differential equation, set x(0) = 0 and set the amplitude to 0.1 (in meters) to yield

x(t) = 0.1sin(√[k/m]t)

Differentiate to find v(t) and sub them into the equation

(1/2)mv2 = (1/2)kx2

I find t = π/4 and v(π/4) = -0.05√(2k/m)
 
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e^(i Pi)+1=0 said:
I want to know if it's possible to solve for just a number
No. Dimensional analysis: you are given a length, and you want a speed; you need a velocity or an acceleration etc. to connect those two dimensions.
 

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