What is the relationship between force and time in simple harmonic motion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between force and time in simple harmonic motion, particularly in the context of a lab experiment involving a spring and oscillating masses. Participants explore how to derive a theoretical Force vs. Time graph and its connection to the spring constant.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes using Hooke's law to find the spring constant by comparing added masses to the stretch from the equilibrium position.
  • Another participant questions the understanding of force, suggesting that the force has already been graphed against displacement to find the spring constant.
  • A participant expresses confusion about how to manipulate the Force vs. Time graph to derive a second spring constant for comparison.
  • Concerns are raised about the nature of the spring constant, with one participant asserting it should remain constant unless the spring is altered in some way.
  • Questions are posed regarding the differences between the "Force vs Time" graph and the "Theoretical Force vs Time" graph, indicating a need for clarification on the experimental setup.

    • Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

    Participants exhibit uncertainty regarding the manipulation of the Force vs. Time graph and the implications for the spring constant. There is no consensus on how to proceed with the analysis or the interpretation of the graphs.

    Contextual Notes

    Limitations include potential misunderstandings about the nature of the spring constant and the assumptions underlying the Force vs. Time and Theoretical Force vs. Time graphs. The discussion does not resolve these issues.

    Who May Find This Useful

    This discussion may be useful for students engaged in experiments involving simple harmonic motion, particularly those exploring the relationship between force, time, and spring constants.

Meamour
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For the lab I have to find the spring constant and how force relates to time with simple harmonic motion. To find the spring constant, I used hooke's law and compared different added masses to the stretch from the equilibrium position. When I graphed that, the slope was the spring constant since F= K*X. Using logger lite, I added a one kg mass to the spring I was using and made it oscillate. The vernier quest and the logger lite program produced a Force vs. Time graph. I need to create a theoretical Force vs. time graph (using the time intervals) and manipulate it so that one of the parameters is the spring constant. i will then proceed to compare that to the spring constant found at the beginning.

I am having trouble figuring out how to manipulate the equations. What is the force? I thought it was the weight but that doesn't make sense because the force is changing with each oscillation anywhere between 5 and 13 N. I know that the period is equal to 2pi* sqrt(k/m) but I just don't understand what the force is and how to relate it.
 
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Meamour said:
What is the force?
Didn't you already graph the Force vs Displacement when you found the K of the spring?
 
sophiecentaur said:
Didn't you already graph the Force vs Displacement when you found the K of the spring?
Yes I did but I can't use that data to find the second spring constant to compare it to the first. I have to figure out how to manipulate my Force vs. Time graph (that I did with the 1kg mass) to figure out the spring constant.
 
Meamour said:
Yes I did but I can't use that data to find the second spring constant to compare it to the first. I have to figure out how to manipulate my Force vs. Time graph (that I did with the 1kg mass) to figure out the spring constant.
Have I missed something here? The spring Constant is a Constant unless you do something to the spring- like shortening it.
Also can you tell me about the "Force vs Time" and the "Theoretical Force vs Time" graphs. How are they different? I think there must be someone that you are not telling us about the experiment because the basics are all about just two or three formulae that are in all the textbooks.
 

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