Simple Harmonic Motion of a spring

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the position of a mass oscillating on a spring after being released from rest. To find the spring constant k, the relationship between the weight and the spring force is used, leading to the equation k/δ = mg. The angular frequency ω is derived from the spring constant and mass, using the formula ω = √(k/m). The initial conditions for the oscillation, including the displacement and velocity at t=0, are also considered for determining the position at a later time. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the equations of motion for simple harmonic motion.
mickellowery
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Homework Statement


A hanging spring stretches by 35.0cm when an object of mass 450g is hung on it at rest. In this situation we define its position as x=0. The object is pulled down an additional 18.0cm and released from rest to oscillate without friction. What is its position x at a moment 84.4s later?

Homework Equations


x(t)= Acos(\omegat+\Phi)
\omega=\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that I need to use these two equations, but I don't know k. So I was thinking that I need to use the information that a 450g weight stretches the spring 35.0cm to find the spring constant k. I just wasn't sure how to do that. I was thinking I should just multiply 450 by 35 and divide by 9.8 because it is hanging, but this didn't work for me.
 
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mickellowery said:

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that I need to use these two equations, but I don't know k. So I was thinking that I need to use the information that a 450g weight stretches the spring 35.0cm to find the spring constant k.

Yes, good. So the weight would be equal to the force of the spring. So kδ=mg meaning that k/m = g/δ.

ω=√(k/m)

Then you have x(t)= Acos(ωt+φ)

They tell you they stretch it 18 cm and then release, so what is x(0) and x'(0) ?
 
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