Time period of a mass spring system

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the time period of a mass-spring system, specifically in the context of simple harmonic motion. Participants are examining how given data, such as the distance a mass pulls down the spring, relates to the calculation of the time period.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the relevance of the provided distance of 6cm in their calculations of the time period. Some express uncertainty about whether this distance should factor into their approach.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of the mass-spring system's characteristics, particularly regarding the independence of the period from amplitude. Some participants have provided insights into the nature of simple harmonic motion, while others are questioning the completeness of the information given in the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may involve additional considerations, such as the equation of motion, and express confusion regarding the implications of the extra information provided in the question.

Bolter
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Homework Statement
Calculate the time period of mass spring system
Relevant Equations
See below
Screenshot 2020-02-25 at 17.47.19.png


I have attempted to draw a sketch of this but can't see how the data they gave me help to find time period

This is what value I have ended up getting but I believe is wrong

IMG_3991.JPG


Much appreciated for any help!
 
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The period looks OK to me.
 
kuruman said:
The period looks OK to me.

Thanks but what threw me off here was the extra info that was provided in the question such as the mass pulling down the spring by a distance of 6cm. I thought I had to use this 6cm somewhere in my calculation?
 
This is a feature of the simple harmonic motion (which is the one that spring has) that is that the period (time between oscillations) is independent on the amplitude (how big the oscillations are) this feature is not true in general, for example, is not true for a pendulum (although is a good approximation for small-angle oscillations)
 
Bolter said:
Thanks but what threw me off here was the extra info that was provided in the question such as the mass pulling down the spring by a distance of 6cm. I thought I had to use this 6cm somewhere in my calculation?
Maybe there is more to the problem like writing down the equation of motion. Are you sure this is all there is?
 
Gaussian97 said:
This is a feature of the simple harmonic motion (which is the one that spring has) that is that the period (time between oscillations) is independent on the amplitude (how big the oscillations are) this feature is not true in general, for example, is not true for a pendulum (although is a good approximation for small-angle oscillations)
What's a "small angle oscillation" for a spring-mass system moving vertically up and down?
 

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