Spring Mass Model: What, How & Is There an Equation?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter yellowgold
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mass Model Spring
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the spring mass model, particularly in the context of phonons in solids and its relation to nanoscale energy transport. Participants explore how to determine the spring constant from atomic mass and inquire about relevant equations and concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the spring mass model and its connection to atomic mass and the spring constant, seeking an equation.
  • Another participant questions whether the discussion pertains to phonons in solids, indicating a potential misunderstanding.
  • A participant confirms the focus on phonons in solids and suggests measuring the speed of sound as a method to determine the spring constant.
  • There is a suggestion to consult textbooks or online resources for further information, with a mention of Wikipedia providing relevant formulas depending on the model used.
  • A participant mentions taking a course on nanoscale energy transport and expresses a lack of background in quantum physics, prompting their inquiry into the concepts.
  • Another participant reassures that quantum physics is not necessary to understand the spring model of phonons in solids and recommends finding a suitable textbook for better understanding.
  • There is a reference to the importance of understanding physics of waves, dispersion relations, and wave speed in this context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and familiarity with the concepts, and while some agree on the relevance of phonons and the spring model, there is no consensus on specific equations or methods to determine the spring constant.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for background knowledge in quantum physics and solid state physics, indicating potential limitations in understanding the discussed concepts fully.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals interested in solid state physics, nanoscale energy transport, and the relationship between atomic properties and mechanical models may find this discussion relevant.

yellowgold
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
What is the spring mass model ? If we know atomic mass how we can determine spring constant? Is there any equation ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I have no idea what you are talking about, are you talking about phonons in solids?
 
Yes I mean phonon in Solid...
 
you measure the speed of sound, that is one way to do it.

The best you can do is to google or go to the library and get yourself a textbook.

Wikipedia also have a formula, it depends on what kind of model you are using.

Why are you asking this question? Is it a course in solid state physics you have now or what?
 
yes . there is a course about nanoscale energy transport. photon phonon electron. And I don't have any background about quantum. So I try to get info about some consepts.
 
ok you don't need any quantum physics to get the spring-model of phonons in solids.

Best way to get the concepts is perhaps to pick up a textbook, try to ask the teacher if he knows any good one which you can borrow or recommend in the library.

I personally are trained with Kittel, which is a terrible textbook! I had a really great teacher altough.

But you know some physics of waves etc? Dispersion relation and speed of wave?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 56 ·
2
Replies
56
Views
5K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K