Simple Harmonic Motion Question?

AI Thread Summary
A 0.500 kg object in simple harmonic motion at the end of a spring with a force constant of 300 N/m is analyzed for its total energy, amplitude, and maximum speed. The total energy can be calculated using the equation 1/2 k A^2, where A is the amplitude, but the amplitude needs to be determined first. The discussion highlights the importance of both kinetic and potential energy in the system, noting that total energy is conserved. Participants emphasize understanding the relationship between energy types and the object's motion. The conversation encourages problem-solving and clarifies concepts related to simple harmonic motion.
kate Co
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 0.500Kg object is undergoing simple harmonic motion at the end of a horizontal spring with force constant k=300N/m. When the object is 0.012m from the equilibrium position, it is observed to have a speed of 0.300m/s. What is:

a) The total energy of the object at any point of its motion?

b) The amplitude of the motion.

c) The maximum speed attained by the object during its motion.

Could you also please explain the steps? Thank you x

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hey kate, weclome to PF.
We would love to help you with this, but, unfortunately, you seem to have forgotten provide your attempt at the solution!
Let's start with part A. What do you know about the total energy at anypoint in it's motion?
 
BiGyElLoWhAt said:
Hey kate, weclome to PF.
We would love to help you with this, but, unfortunately, you seem to have forgotten provide your attempt at the solution!
Let's start with part A. What do you know about the total energy at anypoint in it's motion?

Hello, I apologize, I am very much new to this site. For the total energy, I tried using the 1/2KA^2 equation, however I got stuck as I didn't know how to find the amplitude?
 
What kind of energies does the block have at the observed location?
And that's no problem, that's why I was gentle :P
 
BiGyElLoWhAt said:
What kind of energies does the block have at the observed location?
And that's no problem, that's why I was gentle :P

Haha thank you :) Umm the block possesses Kinetic Energy?
 
Is that the only kind? I believe it is attached to a spring, right? What's that 1/2 k A^2 equation represent that you tried using?
 
BiGyElLoWhAt said:
Is that the only kind? I believe it is attached to a spring, right? What's that 1/2 k A^2 equation represent that you tried using?
That represnets Total Energy which is the kinetic energy added to the potential energy?
 
True. I'll just throw this out there, because I'm unsure how to allude to it: 1/2 k A^2 is the total energy, but it is a special case. It's when the object has 0 kinetic energy, and it's all stored in potential. What's the velocity at the amplitude?

So while it is equal to the total energy, what does it actually represent?
 
Awww... don't give up on me kate.
 

Similar threads

Rotating simple harmonic oscillator
Replies
11
Views
1K
Damped harmonic motion
Replies
3
Views
654
When Do Sand Particles Slip Off a Vibrating Plate?
Replies
13
Views
1K
Position and acceleration in simple harmonic motion given velocity
Replies
16
Views
1K
Simple Harmonic Oscillator with Boundary Conditions
Replies
10
Views
3K
Zero Amplitude Damped Simple Harmonic Motion with k=0.7s^-1 and f=3Hz
Replies
5
Views
1K
How to know whether motion is simple harmonic motion or not?
Replies
17
Views
3K
Equation Demonstration -- Comparing a pendulum's motion to an LC circuit
Replies
7
Views
2K
How to derive a formula for simple harmonic motion?
Replies
1
Views
2K
The phase of a simple harmonic motion
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top