Spring-Block system executing SHM in a freely falling elevator

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the dynamics of a block suspended from a spring in a freely falling elevator. It establishes that the block executes simple harmonic motion (SHM) with an amplitude of mg/k, where m is the mass of the block and k is the spring constant. The participants explore various methods to derive the equations of motion, emphasizing the importance of considering the relative motion of the block and the elevator. The consensus is that while pseudo forces can simplify the analysis, a more rigorous approach involves applying Newton's second law in the ground frame.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with simple harmonic motion (SHM) principles
  • Knowledge of spring dynamics and Hooke's law
  • Ability to analyze motion in non-inertial reference frames
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of equations of motion for SHM in non-inertial frames
  • Learn about the effects of pseudo forces in accelerating systems
  • Explore advanced applications of Hooke's law in dynamic systems
  • Investigate the relationship between gravitational acceleration and SHM
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying mechanics, dynamics, and oscillatory motion. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of SHM in non-inertial reference frames.

  • #31
If ##\frac{\mathrm{d} ^{2}x_{\text{eq}}}{\mathrm{d} t^{2}} = g## then what is ##x_{\text{eq}}(t)## if the initial height of ##x_{\text{eq}}## above the ground was some value ##d## and it started off at rest before going into free fall?
 
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  • #32
WannabeNewton said:
If ##\frac{\mathrm{d} ^{2}x_{\text{eq}}}{\mathrm{d} t^{2}} = g## then what is ##x_{\text{eq}}(t)## if the initial height of ##x_{\text{eq}}## above the ground was some value ##d## and it started off at rest before going into free fall?

Then xequili(t)=g.(t^2)/2 + d
 
  • #33
vijaypandey93 said:
Then xequili(t)=g.(t^2)/2 + d
Right so plugging back into Newton's 2nd law we have ##m\ddot{x} = -kx + mg + k(\frac{1}{2}gt^{2} + d)## in the ground frame. Is this the equation for simple harmonic motion? If you solve this will you get an ##x(t)## that is purely sinusoidal?
 
  • #34
WannabeNewton said:
Right so plugging back into Newton's 2nd law we have ##m\ddot{x} = -kx + mg + k(\frac{1}{2}gt^{2} + d)## in the ground frame. Is this the equation for simple harmonic motion? If you solve this will you get an ##x(t)## that is purely sinusoidal?

we can't say that necessarily because simple harmonic motion is caused by a force which has a restoring effect and opposite to the displacement.so all the terms may get added and may give a positive value which is ofcourse not the hall mark of SHM.
 
  • #35
WannabeNewton said:
Right so plugging back into Newton's 2nd law we have ##m\ddot{x} = -kx + mg + k(\frac{1}{2}gt^{2} + d)## in the ground frame. Is this the equation for simple harmonic motion? If you solve this will you get an ##x(t)## that is purely sinusoidal?


okay i'll solve and then check it.thanks a lot
 
  • #36
You don't have to explicitly solve it if you don't want to; you can tell just by looking at the equation.
 

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