Weight attached to a spring general question?

In summary, the weight attached to a spring affects its motion by changing the equilibrium position and the period of oscillation. The weight and the spring constant have a proportional relationship, with a heavier weight resulting in a higher spring constant. The length of the spring indirectly affects the weight's motion by influencing the spring constant. In theory, the weight attached to a spring can reach a state of rest, but this is not possible in practical situations. As the weight attached to the spring increases, the amplitude of motion also increases until the spring reaches its maximum stretch.
  • #1
MathWarrior
268
5
I was wondering, in my class we have been dealing with a lot of equations related to some weight attached to a spring which is attached to a fixed point and has some force being applied to it or something like that. Where exactly is such a thing encountered in real life?
 
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  • #2
lots of weighing machines

things like car suspensions (except upside-down)
 

1. How does the weight attached to a spring affect its motion?

The weight attached to a spring affects its motion by changing the equilibrium position and the period of oscillation. The equilibrium position is shifted towards the heavier side, causing the spring to stretch further. The period of oscillation also increases with a heavier weight, as it takes more time for the spring to complete one full cycle of motion.

2. What is the relationship between the weight and the spring constant?

The weight and the spring constant have a proportional relationship. This means that as the weight attached to the spring increases, the spring constant also increases. This is because the spring needs to exert a greater force to support the heavier weight, resulting in a higher spring constant.

3. How does the length of the spring affect the weight's motion?

The length of the spring does not directly affect the weight's motion. However, the length of the spring does affect the spring constant, which in turn affects the weight's motion. A longer spring will have a lower spring constant, resulting in a slower rate of oscillation and a longer period of motion for the weight.

4. Can the weight attached to a spring ever reach a state of rest?

In theory, the weight attached to a spring can reach a state of rest if the spring is perfectly elastic and there is no external force acting on the weight. However, this is not possible in practical situations, as there will always be some degree of friction or resistance that prevents the weight from coming to a complete stop.

5. How does the amplitude of motion change as the weight attached to the spring increases?

The amplitude of motion increases as the weight attached to the spring increases. This is because a heavier weight causes the spring to stretch further, resulting in a larger displacement from the equilibrium position. The amplitude of motion will continue to increase as the weight is further increased, until the spring reaches its maximum stretch and can no longer support the weight.

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