Spider's Web Vibrations: Mass, Freq., & Spring Const.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the effective spring constant of a spider's web and the expected frequency of vibration when different masses are trapped. The user calculated the spring constant k to be 194.8 N/m for a fly weighing 0.13 g and predicted a vibration frequency of 46.9 Hz for a heavier insect of 0.54 g. The user seeks confirmation of these calculations and is open to sharing their work if needed. The thread emphasizes the importance of verifying calculations in physics problems. Accurate results are crucial for understanding the dynamics of spider webs.
metalmagik
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A small fly of mass 0.13 g is caught in a spider's web. The web vibrates predominately with a frequency of 1.0 Hz.
(a) What is the value of the effective spring constant k for the web?

(b) At what frequency would you expect the web to vibrate if an insect of mass 0.54 g were trapped?

I received 194.8 N/m and 46.9 Hz for (a) and (b), respectively. Could someone check this work for me quick and confirm this is correct? If it is not and you wouldn't mind helping me out, I'll post all the work/equations I have done.
 
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metalmagik said:
I received 194.8 N/m and 46.9 Hz for (a) and (b), respectively. Could someone check this work for me quick and confirm this is correct? If it is not and you wouldn't mind helping me out, I'll post all the work/equations I have done.

Show your work.

ehild
 

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