Simple harmonic motion with an amplitude

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in simple harmonic motion involving a block attached to a spring. The spring constant is provided, along with the amplitude of motion and a measured speed at a specific position. Participants are tasked with calculating the mass of the block, the period of motion, and the maximum acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore using energy conservation principles and the relationship between speed, spring constant, and mass. There is an attempt to derive the mass using the provided formulas, but some participants express uncertainty about their calculations and seek clarification on the correct approach.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering different perspectives on how to approach the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding the application of conservation of energy, and there is a request for more detailed calculations to identify mistakes. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is an emphasis on understanding the principles of energy interchange in simple harmonic motion.

physics_geek
Messages
82
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A block of unknown mass is attached to a spring with a spring constant of 5.50 N/m and undergoes simple harmonic motion with an amplitude of 12.5 cm. When the block is halfway between its equilibrium position and the end point, its speed is measured to be 25.0 cm/s.

(a) Calculate the mass of the block.
(b) Calculate the period of the motion.
(c) Calculate the maximum acceleration of the block.


Homework Equations


Vmax = sqrt(k/m)A
T= 2pi/w
a_max = kA/m



The Attempt at a Solution


so i thought i would use the first formula i stated to find the mass of the block
but apparently I am wrong.
can someone please help me get started.
thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Well the total energy of the system is given by 1/2 kA2 and throughout the motion this is interchanged between elastic potential and kinetic energy. So halfway between the max point and equilibrium, how far does the spring stretch? Can you now apply a conservation of energy to get the mass?
 


Show your calculations to see where you have made mistake.
 


well what i did was
vmax = sqrt(k/m)A
(v^2/A^2)m = k
so
m = kA^2/v^2 but i guess this is wrong

so do i use something like 1/2kA^2 = 1/2mv^2 ?
 

Similar threads

Sliding block hits and compresses a spring
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
When Do Sand Particles Slip Off a Vibrating Plate?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
what the relation between the amplitude magnitude and mass at resonance?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
How to Calculate Amplitude Decrease in Damped Harmonic Motion After 10 Cycles?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
995
How to prove that motion is periodic but not simple harmonic?
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
Rotating simple harmonic oscillator
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Position and acceleration in simple harmonic motion given velocity
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
How Long for a Block in SHM to Hit a Wall After Spring Snaps?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Simple Harmonic Oscillator with Boundary Conditions
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Distance traveled and period of a mass - spring - pulley system
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K