Spring and Hammer Problem: Calculate Motion w/m, k, J, t

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In summary, the problem is about a mass at rest on a spring with a given spring constant. It is given an impulse by a hammer at t = 0. The subsequent motion can be described by the differential equation -kx = m\ddot{x} with initial conditions x(0) = 0 and \dot{x}(0) = \frac{J}{m}. This can be solved using Laplace Transforms and assuming simplifying assumptions. The mass has an initial velocity of v_{0} = \frac{J}{m}.
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Problem: A mass m is at rest on the end of a spring of spring constant k. At t = 0 it is given an impulse J by a hammer. Write the formula for the subsequent motion in terms of m, k, J, and t.

Would ma = -kx + J/t be an acceptable answer?
 
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  • #2
No, it is not!
The force associated by impulse J should be modeled by Dirac's delta function; solve the problem with Laplace Transforms.
 
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  • #3
Please note that the problem is from a general physics textbook. Assume as many simplifying assumptions as possible.
 
  • #4
In that case, solve it as follows:
Just after the impulse J, the mass has an initial velocity [tex]v_{0}=\frac{J}{m}[/tex]
In the subsequent problem, your diffferential equation is:
[tex]-kx=m\ddot{x}[/tex]
whereas initial conditions are:
[tex]x(0)=0,\dot{x}(0)=\frac{J}{m}[/tex]
 
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  • #5
Hmm...Why didn't I think of that? I guess that does it for that problem. Thanks.
 

Related to Spring and Hammer Problem: Calculate Motion w/m, k, J, t

1. What is the spring and hammer problem?

The spring and hammer problem is a physics problem that involves calculating the motion of a spring attached to a hammer when a force is applied to it. It is often used to examine the relationship between mass, spring constant, energy, and time.

2. What are the variables involved in the spring and hammer problem?

The variables involved in the spring and hammer problem are mass (m), spring constant (k), energy (J), and time (t). These variables are used to calculate the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the spring and hammer system.

3. How do you calculate motion in the spring and hammer problem?

To calculate motion in the spring and hammer problem, you can use the equation x = A*cos(ωt), where A is the amplitude of the oscillation and ω is the angular frequency. You can also use the equation F = -kx to calculate the force exerted by the spring on the hammer.

4. What is the significance of the spring constant in the spring and hammer problem?

The spring constant (k) in the spring and hammer problem represents the stiffness of the spring. A higher spring constant means that the spring is stiffer and requires more force to compress or stretch it. It also affects the period and frequency of the oscillation.

5. How is energy conserved in the spring and hammer problem?

In the spring and hammer problem, energy is conserved as the spring and hammer oscillate back and forth. The potential energy stored in the spring is converted to kinetic energy as the spring compresses and expands. This process repeats until all of the energy is dissipated due to friction and other external factors.

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