Simple Harmonic Motion find Mass

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the mass of a block undergoing simple harmonic motion (SHM) attached to a spring with a spring constant of 75 N/m and an amplitude of 0.15 m. Given the block's speed of 1.7 m/s at a displacement of 0.12 m, the energy conservation principle is applied, equating kinetic and potential energy. The initial calculations suggest a mass of 0.21 kg, but this conflicts with the expected answer of 0.27 kg. Participants are analyzing the energy equations to identify potential errors in the calculations or assumptions made. The discrepancy highlights the importance of careful application of SHM principles in solving for mass.
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Homework Statement


A block is attached to a horizontal spring with k = 75 N/m undergoes SHM with an amplitude of 0.15m. If the speed of the block is 1.7 m/s when the displacement is 0.12m from equilibrium, what is the mass of the block?

Homework Equations


E = E'
E_{k} = \frac{1}{2}mv^{2}
E_{s} = \frac{1}{2}kx^{2}

The Attempt at a Solution


E = E'
E_{k1} + E_{s1} = E_{s2}
\frac{1}{2}mv^{2} + \frac{1}{2}kx^{2} = \frac{1}{2}kx^{2}
Where subscript 1 indicates that x = 0.12 m and subscript 2 indicates that x = 0.15 m (max energy)
Substituting in ...
m = 0.21 kg

but the answer is 0.27 kg?
 
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With that data, the answer is m = 0.21 kg.
 
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