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

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The effective spring constant k for the spider's web, when a fly of mass 0.13 g is caught, is calculated to be 194.8 N/m. This value is derived from the web's predominant vibration frequency of 1.0 Hz. When an insect of mass 0.54 g is trapped, the expected vibration frequency increases to 46.9 Hz. These calculations are confirmed as accurate based on the provided mass and frequency data.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Basic knowledge of harmonic motion and frequency calculations
  • Familiarity with mass and its effect on oscillation frequency
  • Proficiency in unit conversions, particularly grams to kilograms
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Hooke's Law and its applications in real-world scenarios
  • Learn about the relationship between mass and frequency in oscillating systems
  • Explore advanced topics in harmonic motion, including damping and resonance
  • Investigate the physics of spider silk and its mechanical properties
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, mechanical engineering, and biology, particularly those interested in the mechanics of natural materials and oscillatory systems.

metalmagik
Messages
130
Reaction score
0
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 

Similar threads

How Does Mass Affect the Oscillation Frequency of a Spider's Web?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
9K
Is a Spring Constant of 0.005 N/m Plausible for a Spider's Web?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Mass atop four springs with external input: Reduce vibration amplitude by factor of ten
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Mass-spring question (frequency and amplitude)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Spring and Microphone (Doppler Effect...?)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Designing a driven spring mass system for school project
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Calculating Electrostatic Force on a Suspended Gossamer Spider
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
What is the force constant of the web?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How Does Water Leakage Affect the Frequency of a Vibrating Guitar String?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Amplitude and Vibrations in Springs
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K