Simple Harmonic Motion Question (Springs)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum speed of a 350-g mass attached to a spring with a spring constant of 64 N/m, given its maximum acceleration of 5.3 m/s². The user correctly identifies that maximum acceleration occurs at maximum displacement and maximum velocity occurs at zero displacement. By applying the formula for acceleration and the relationship between spring constant and mass, the user determines the maximum displacement to be approximately 0.02898 m. To find the maximum speed, the user is advised to utilize the relationship between spring potential energy and kinetic energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
  • Knowledge of spring constants and Hooke's Law
  • Familiarity with energy conservation principles in physics
  • Ability to manipulate formulas involving acceleration and displacement
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the relationship between potential energy in springs and kinetic energy of masses
  • Learn how to derive the maximum speed in Simple Harmonic Motion
  • Investigate the formula for angular frequency (ω) in SHM
  • Study examples of SHM problems involving different mass and spring constant combinations
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and oscillatory motion, as well as educators looking for practical examples of Simple Harmonic Motion applications.

LucasCammarata
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A 350-g mass is attached to a spring whose spring constant is 64 N/m. Its maximum acceleration is 5.3 m/s2. What is its maximum speed?

So, i had a go at the question which basically required the knowledge that maximum acceleration occurs when displacement is maximum and maximum velocity occurs when displacement is zero.

So, i used the formula that acceleration = -w^2 [x(t)]... getting the result that... 5.3 = -w^2[x(t)] and solved for x(t) using the fact that w^2 = k/m.. therefore getting that maximum displacement = 0.028984375m. Does anyone know where i can go from here to get the maximum speed?
 
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There is a relation between the spring energy when the mass is at its maximum displacement, and the kinetic energy of the mass when the spring is not exerting a force on the mass. Use this.
 

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