Simple harmonic motion mass on a spring

In summary, a mass attached to a spring performs simple harmonic motion when pulled down and released. This is due to the restoring force of the spring pulling it upwards and the force of gravity pulling it down, causing it to oscillate. The equation of motion for this motion is -m\ddot{x}\,+\,k\,x\,=0, showing that acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement. This can be proven using the equation F = -mg-kx, which is derived from Newton's second law.
  • #1
saltrock
67
0
A mass is on a spring is pulled down and released.Show thatit performs simple harmonic motion.

as the mass is pulled down and released restoring force pulls it upwards but as it reaches on the top extreme the gravity pulls it down n continuous to oscillate.but how does it prove that motion is SHM??we cannot see acceleration being proportional to the displacement
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What level of mathematics can you bring to bear?

We know that the total force acting on the mass is

F = -mg-kx

According to Newton this is

ma = -mg-kx

so a = -g - (k/m) x

Does not this show that acceleration is directly proportional to displacement?
 
  • #3
Write the 'equation of motion' of a mass attached to a spring and displaced from equilibrium.

The weight of force of gravity is a constant force which simply displaces the spring from is equilibrium position when there is no mass.

Remember something like - [tex]m\ddot{x}\,+\,k\,x\,=0[/tex]
 

1. What is simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which an object oscillates back and forth around an equilibrium point, with a constant period and amplitude. This motion occurs when a restoring force, such as that from a spring or pendulum, is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position.

2. What is a mass on a spring?

A mass on a spring is a simple system used to demonstrate simple harmonic motion. It consists of a mass attached to the end of a spring, which is suspended from a fixed point. When the mass is pulled down and released, it will oscillate up and down around the equilibrium point.

3. How is the frequency of simple harmonic motion determined?

The frequency of simple harmonic motion is determined by the mass attached to the spring, the stiffness of the spring (known as the spring constant), and the force of gravity. The equation for frequency is f=1/(2π)√(k/m), where k is the spring constant and m is the mass.

4. What is the relationship between the period and frequency of simple harmonic motion?

The period and frequency of simple harmonic motion are inversely related. This means that as the frequency increases, the period decreases, and vice versa. The period is the time it takes for one complete oscillation, while the frequency is the number of oscillations per unit time.

5. How does the amplitude affect simple harmonic motion?

The amplitude of simple harmonic motion is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium point. It does not affect the frequency or period, but it does affect the maximum velocity and acceleration of the object in motion. The greater the amplitude, the higher the maximum velocity and acceleration will be.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
51
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
387
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
986
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
933
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
973
Back
Top