Solving 2 Problems: Vertical Displacement & Mass on Spring

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SUMMARY

This discussion addresses two physics problems involving a mass on a spring. The first problem requires calculating the position and velocity of the mass at t=1s using the equations: 0.35=-Aωsinφ and 0.1=Acosφ, among others. The second problem involves proving that vertical displacement of the mass does not result in simple harmonic motion, despite the small displacement assumption. Key concepts include the manipulation of trigonometric identities and the analysis of differential equations related to spring motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic motion and spring dynamics
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities and their applications
  • Knowledge of differential equations, particularly linear vs. nonlinear equations
  • Basic grasp of energy conservation principles in mechanical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the simple harmonic motion equation: d²x/dt² = -kx/m
  • Learn about the implications of non-linear differential equations in mechanical systems
  • Explore the relationship between angular frequency (ω) and spring constant (k) in oscillatory motion
  • Investigate the use of trigonometric identities in solving physics problems involving oscillations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and oscillatory motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to springs and harmonic motion.

subwaybusker
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I have two problems:

Homework Statement



I am given the positions and velocities of a mass on a spring at two times, which is four equations. I need to find the position and velocity of the mass at t=1s.

Homework Equations



0.35=-A[tex]\omega[/tex]sin[tex]\phi[/tex]
0.1=Acos[tex]\phi[/tex]

-0.2=-A[tex]\omega[/tex]sin([tex]\omega[/tex]t[tex]\phi[/tex])
0.17=Acos([tex]\omega[/tex]t[tex]\phi[/tex])

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to divide the top two and the bottom two equations such that i got tan phi and tan omega t + phi, but after that i don't know how to manipulate the equations. i tried the tan identity but i couldn't do anything.

then i tried using 1/2*kx^2=1/2*mv^2 to get [tex]\omega[/tex] but the [tex]\omega[/tex] for the two times were different..

Second question:

poor diagram, please excuse me

wall-spring-mass-spring-wall

the two springs are of equal length and have equal k constant. I need to prove that when the mass is displaced VERTICALLY it does not have simple harmonic motion, assuming the vertical displacement is very small compared to the length of the spring.

Attempted Solution:

I drew a picture of the mass being displaced downwards and i got y=Lsintheta, but i know i am supposed to prove that the differential equation is not linear, so y (vertical displacement)ends up on the right of the Diff Eqn with a power or something. The Lsintheta isn't helped me, cause from what I have I can't see why y isn't linear.
 
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Check the question. The general solution to the differential equation:

d^2x/dt^2 = kx/m

is

x = Asin (wt + phi ) where w^2 = km

AM

PS for some reason Latex does not appear to be working
 
Last edited:

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