Spring-Mass Problem: Natural Frequency Calculation

[end3r7]

Homework Statement

A weight (unknown mass) is placed on a vertical spring (unknown spring constant) compressing it by 2.5 cm (one inch). What is the natural frequency of oscillation of this spring-mass system?

Homework Equations

(i) $$T = 2*pi*\sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}$$

The Attempt at a Solution

I argue that the spring's displacement should be $$\frac{mg}{k} = 0.025$$
So $$\frac{m}{k} = \frac{0.025}{g}$$
Plugged that in and got the natural frequency is 3.15 s^-1.

I just want to check if the equations are valid and if the displacement is in the right unites (meters, right?)

 

[Doc Al]

Looks good. (What value did you use for g?)

 

[end3r7]

Oh, good call. I used 9.81, so it's in meters.