What is the Damping Constant for a Hard Boiled Egg on a Spring?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the damping constant b for a hard-boiled egg on a spring, the initial parameters include a mass of 45.0 g, a spring constant of 2.50 N/m, and an amplitude decrease from 0.500 m to 0.300 m over 4.0 seconds. The equation provided by the user is incorrect as it improperly combines forces and energy terms. The solution requires using the correct equation for a damped oscillator, which is not clearly identified in the discussion. Participants suggest consulting textbook resources for the appropriate equations to solve the problem effectively. Understanding the relationship between amplitude change and damping is crucial for finding the correct value of b.
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Homework Statement



A 45.0-g hard boiled egg moves on the end of a spring with a force constant k = 2.50 N/m. Its initial displacement is 0.500 m. A damping force Fx = -bvx acts on the egg, and the amplitude of the motion decreases to 0.300 m in 4.0 s. Calculate the magnitude of the damping constant b.


Homework Equations



(1/2)m(v^2) + (1/2)k(x^2) - bv = (1/2)m(A^2)

The Attempt at a Solution



So basically I thought you could solve this question by using the above equation. But I'm finding some difficulty in finding the correct value for v (from bv). Also I'm not sure on how to incorporate the fact that the amplitudes change in 4 seconds into this equation. Any help will be appreciated!
 
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That equation is wrong. Since bv is a force, no way can it be added or subtracted from these other terms which are energies.

Usually a problem like this is solved by looking in your textbook for the equation of a damped oscillator.
 
Redbelly98 said:
That equation is wrong. Since bv is a force, no way can it be added or subtracted from these other terms which are energies.

Usually a problem like this is solved by looking in your textbook for the equation of a damped oscillator.

I'm still having trouble doing this problem. I don't seem to find any equation where I can incorporate the different values given in the question.

Can anybody help me?
 
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