What Frequency Causes a Rock to Lift Off a Vibrating Platform?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the frequency at which a rock begins to lift off a vibrating platform, the acceleration due to the platform's oscillation must be calculated using the equation ax(t) = -w^2 * Asin(wt). The key is to find the frequency that results in zero reaction force, indicating the rock has lost contact with the surface. The problem is likened to rollercoaster dynamics, but the challenge lies in the limited information provided, specifically only the amplitude of 10.4 cm. Further clarification on the relationship between acceleration, frequency, and the conditions for losing contact is needed to solve the problem effectively.
aubailey
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A vibration platform oscillates up and down with an amplitude of 10.4 cm at a controlled variable frequency. Suppose a small rock of unknown mass is placed on the platform. At what frequency will the rock just begin to leave the surface so that it starts to clatter?

Homework Equations


ax(t) = -w^2 * Asin(wt)

The Attempt at a Solution


I know I need to find the acceleration with the given amplitude but i still have two variables, omega and time in order to find that. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
welcome to pf!

hi aubailey! welcome to pf! :wink:

what is your basic equation, the one that determines whether the rock loses contact (ie the reaction force is zero)? :smile:
 
Yes, how do I find the frequency that will cause the rock to be lifted a little?

i suppose it is similar to a rollercoaster problem but I am kind of stuck because I am only given the amplitude.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Vibration Platform: Find Frequency for Rock Clatter
Replies
1
Views
5K
Simple harmonic motion platform
Replies
2
Views
5K
Find the amplitude and frequency of the vibrations
Replies
1
Views
3K
Simple Harmonic Motion Given Amplitude and Frequency
Replies
5
Views
2K
Simple harmonic motion involving circuit
Replies
1
Views
3K
How Do You Calculate the Frequency of Vibration for a Mass on a Spring?
Replies
21
Views
25K
Vertical Oscillation assuming no damping
Replies
1
Views
2K
What is the power of a sound source placed on a tall radio tower?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Simple Harmonic Motion formula help
Replies
7
Views
3K
Circular and simple harmonic motion
Replies
5
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top