Finding Spring Constant through Simple Harmonic Motion

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a 44 gram mass attached to a massless spring oscillating according to a given equation. The question asks for the spring constant in N/m. The conversation also provides a helpful tip about solving the problem using the analogy between simple harmonic motion and circular motion. The relevant equations are also mentioned.
  • #1
SalsaOnMyTaco
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Hi there, SalsaOnMyTaco here again.

Homework Statement



A 44 gram mass is attached to a massless spring and allowed to oscillate around an equilibrium according to:
y(t) = 1.2*sin( 3.1415*t ) where y is measured in meters and t in seconds

-What is the spring constant in N/m ?

HELP: Simple harmonic motion with the amplitude A is equivalent to the motion on a circle with the radius A, and the same angular frequency omega.
The force acting on an object with the mass m moving on a circle with the radius A with the angular frequency ω is
F_circ=m*A*ω2.
The force exerted by a spring with the constant k is equal to
F(x)=k*x, where x is the displacement.
Due to the analogy mentioned above, the two forces are equal at the point of maximum displacement (amplitude), that is,
F_circ=F(A).
You can solve this equation for omega in terms of k and m.

Homework Equations



T=2∏√(m/k)

The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea how to approach this problem. Should I start from figuring out the Period to then solve for K on the above equation?
 
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  • #2
Nvm, problem solved. Since i was given w=2pi/t, i solved for T and used T on the equation from OP to solve for K.
 

1. What is spring harmonic motion?

Spring harmonic motion is a type of oscillatory motion in which a mass attached to a spring moves back and forth around an equilibrium position. The motion is characterized by a constant frequency and amplitude.

2. What causes spring harmonic motion?

Spring harmonic motion is caused by the restoring force of a spring. When the spring is stretched or compressed, it exerts a force that tries to bring the mass back to its equilibrium position. This back-and-forth motion continues until the energy of the system is dissipated.

3. What factors affect the period of spring harmonic motion?

The period, or the time it takes for one complete cycle of spring harmonic motion, is affected by the mass of the object, the spring constant (stiffness) of the spring, and the amplitude (maximum displacement) of the motion. The larger the mass and spring constant, and the smaller the amplitude, the longer the period will be.

4. How is spring harmonic motion related to simple harmonic motion?

Spring harmonic motion is a type of simple harmonic motion, which is any oscillatory motion that follows a sinusoidal pattern. In spring harmonic motion, the restoring force follows Hooke's law, meaning it is directly proportional to the displacement of the mass from its equilibrium position.

5. What are some real-life examples of spring harmonic motion?

Spring harmonic motion can be observed in various systems, such as a mass bouncing on a trampoline, a pendulum swinging back and forth, or a guitar string vibrating. It is also present in many mechanical devices, such as shock absorbers and tuning forks.

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