Simple Harmonic Motion, object floating in a liquid

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a problem from Thornton and Marion's Classical Dynamics regarding the period of small oscillations of a body floating in a liquid. The formula derived for the period of oscillation is τ = 2π√(V/gA), where V is the displaced volume, g is the gravitational field strength, and A is the cross-sectional area. The participant initially struggled with relating the restoring force to the mass and spring constant but ultimately recognized the relationship between density, mass, and volume, leading to a correct understanding of the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion and oscillation principles
  • Familiarity with the concepts of density and buoyancy
  • Knowledge of classical mechanics equations, particularly those related to forces and motion
  • Ability to manipulate and derive equations involving physical quantities
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the period of oscillation in simple harmonic motion
  • Explore the principles of buoyancy and Archimedes' principle in fluid mechanics
  • Learn about the relationship between mass, density, and volume in physics
  • Review the application of restoring forces in oscillatory systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in classical mechanics, particularly those studying fluid dynamics and oscillatory motion.

Jack21222
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(apologies for the formatting, mixing LaTeX and regular text looks ugly, but I don't know how to do it otherwise)

Homework Statement



This is problem 3-7 from Thornton and Marion's Classical Dynamics.

A body of uniform cross-sectional area A = 1 cm2 and of mass density \rho=0.8 g/cm3 floats in a liquid of density \rho0=1 g/cm3 and at equilibrium displaces a volume V = 0.8 cm3. Show that the peroid of small oscillations about the equilibrium position is given by:

\tau = 2\pi \sqrt{V/gA}

where g is the gravitational field strength. Determine the value of \tau

Homework Equations



\tau = 2\pi\sqrt{k/m} (equation 3.13 in the book)

k\equiv -(dF/dx)

The Attempt at a Solution



It appears to me that if I can show V/gA = m/k or k = mgA/V, then the equation in the problem would be equal to equation 3.13 quoted above. I tried coming up with an equation for the restoring force F in terms of mg A and V, and then take the x-derivative of k, but it doesn't equal mgA/V.

I'll be using p = rho from here, because I don't want to mix LaTeX and regular text, and p has no other meaning.

The restoring force I came up with was F = Vp0g - mg where m is the mass of the block.

In terms of x, I get F = Axpg - mg where x is the depth of the submerged block.

Taking the x-derivative of F, from the definition of k, I get Apg, which isn't equal to mgA/V

Any suggestions?
 
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I'm an idiot, p= m/V by definition, and everything falls together.

I can't believe I got stuck on such a trivial step. I'm embarrassed that I even posted this thread.
 

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