Spring constant and oscillation frequency

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the spring constant of a compact car with four identical springs and a mass of 1300kg. The frequency of the car bouncing up and down 1.4 times per second is given, and the equation f = 1/2pi [sq rt (k/m)] is used to solve for the spring constant. The definition of frequency is also mentioned, and the solution for part a is used to find the oscillation frequency for the car carrying four 90kg passengers.
  • #1
aligass2004
236
0

Homework Statement


A compact car has a mass of 1300kg. Assume that the care has one spring on each wheel, that the springs are identical, and that the mass is equally distributed over the four springs.

a.) What is the spring constant of each spring if the empty car bounces up and down 1.4 times each second?
b.) What will be the car's oscillation frequency while carrying four 90kg passengers?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know for part a I will use f = 1/2pi [sq rt (k/m)], which will be k = m (f2pi)^2 when rearranged. I'm just not sure what the frequency would be.
 
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  • #2
For part a) the frequency is given to you. 1.4times/second is a frequency.
 
  • #3
The car bounces up and down 1.4 times each second. What is the definition of frequency?

If you are talking about the second part, all you have to do is use the information you solved for, and change the mass accordingly.
 
  • #4
Mindscrape said:
The car bounces up and down 1.4 times each second. What is the definition of frequency?

The definition of a frequency is the "number of oscillations per second. This is what you are given. The car bounces up and down (oscillates) 1.4 times each second. So,

f=1.4
 
  • #5
I tried using 1.4 for the frequency, and I got 1.01E5, but it wasn't right.
 
  • #6
G01 said:
The definition of a frequency is the "number of oscillations per second. This is what you are given. The car bounces up and down (oscillates) 1.4 times each second. So,

f=1.4

Man, you can't answer his questions for him.

How, exactly, did you solve it, aligass?
 

1. What is the definition of spring constant?

The spring constant, also known as the force constant, is a measure of a spring's stiffness. It is defined as the amount of force required to stretch or compress a spring by a certain distance.

2. How is the spring constant related to the oscillation frequency?

The spring constant and the oscillation frequency are directly proportional to each other. This means that as the spring constant increases, the oscillation frequency also increases.

3. Can the spring constant be changed?

Yes, the spring constant can be changed by altering the material, length, or thickness of the spring. It can also be changed by adding or removing weights or tension on the spring.

4. What is the formula for calculating the oscillation frequency of a spring?

The formula for calculating the oscillation frequency of a spring is f = 1/2π√(k/m), where f is the frequency, k is the spring constant, and m is the mass attached to the spring.

5. How does the spring constant affect the amplitude of oscillation?

The spring constant has no direct effect on the amplitude of oscillation. However, a higher spring constant will result in a higher oscillation frequency, which can indirectly affect the amplitude of oscillation.

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