Simple harmonic motion period with velocity defined

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the period of simple harmonic motion (SHM) for a mass sliding on a frictionless surface. The user attempts to derive the period using the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and displacement, leading to an expression that does not match the expected result. The correct formula for the period involves the amplitude A, which the user struggles to incorporate. Suggestions include relating displacement and velocity through trigonometric identities and applying conservation of energy principles. Ultimately, the correct relationship for k is derived, linking it to the mass, velocity, and amplitude.
PeterRV
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Homework Statement


A mass m is sliding back and forth in a simple harmonic motion (SHM) with an amplitude A on a horizontal frictionless surface. At a point a distance L away from equilibrium, the speed of the plate is vL (vL is larger than zero).

Homework Equations


What is the period of the SHM?

The Attempt at a Solution


a_x=-kx/m -> vX= (-kx^2)/(2m)
k = (-vX*2m)/(x^2)
T=2π*√(m/k)=2π*√(m/((-vX*2m)/(x^2))
T=2π√((-x^2)/vX))
Filling in point at distance L from equilibrium, I get:

T=2π√((-L^2)/vL))

The correct answer is T=2π√((A^2-L^2)/vL)), but I cannot imagine where the A^2 comes from.

Any help is appreciated!
 
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For simple harmonic motion,
x=Asin(wt+Φ)
and v=dx/dt = Awcos(wt+Φ)

Can you try relating x and v somehow?
 
erisedk said:
For simple harmonic motion,
x=Asin(wt+Φ)
and v=dx/dt = Awcos(wt+Φ)

Can you try relating x and v somehow?

Yes, x=∫vdt, or is that not what you meant with relating x and v?
 
Nope, I meant try substituting the value of (wt+Φ) from the first equation into the second one.
 
erisedk said:
Nope, I meant try substituting the value of (wt+Φ) from the first equation into the second one.
I am terribly sorry, but my native language is not English and I do not know what you mean with the value of (wt+Φ). I do not have the frequency in the data?
 
(wt+Φ) = arcsin(x/A)
What is cos(wt+Φ)?
After figuring out cos(wt+Φ), substitute it into v=Awcos(wt+Φ). You'll get an expression that relates x and v.
 
Ik think you have to apply conservation of energy, it will result in:
1/2*k*L^2 + 1/2*m*v^2=1/2*k*A^2
k =(m*v^2)/(A^2 -L^2)
 
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