What is the Spring Amplitude Problem?

  • Thread starter Thread starter <3Science
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Amplitude Spring
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The Spring Amplitude Problem involves a block on a spring oscillating between positions x=3.00 cm and x=-3.00 cm. The angular frequency (w) can be calculated using the formula w = 2π / T, where T is the period derived from the time difference between the block passing x=3.00 cm at t=0.685s and x=-3.00 cm at t=0.886s. The amplitude is determined to be 15 cm, as the block oscillates beyond the given positions, indicating a maximum displacement greater than the observed values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic motion and oscillation principles
  • Familiarity with angular frequency calculations
  • Knowledge of spring constants and mass (k/m) relationships
  • Basic proficiency in solving equations involving trigonometric functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the angular frequency formula w = 2π / T
  • Learn about the concepts of amplitude in harmonic motion
  • Explore the relationship between spring constant (k) and mass (m) in oscillatory systems
  • Investigate graphical representations of oscillatory motion and phase diagrams
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and oscillatory motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to spring dynamics and harmonic oscillators.

<3Science
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A block on a spring if pulled to the right and released at t=0s. It passes x=3.00 cm at t=0.685s, and it passes x=-3.00 at t=0.886s.

a. what is the angular frequency?
b. what is the amplitude?

Homework Equations



w = 2pi / T
w= sqrt k/m


The Attempt at a Solution



I don't really need a numerical value or anything, but I'm just totally confused as to how I'm supposed to figure this out?? Wouldn't the amplitude just be 3 and the difference in time is the period? The amplitude is apparently 15 =S
 
Physics news on Phys.org
(max-)|-----------------|(-3)------------------|(3)---------------------|(max+)
you would be right if the block oscillated between 3 and -3 but it sounds like in your case at t=0 it is released at a max point to the right of x=3 and passes through x=3 and -3 later as shown in my crude drawing above.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
988
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K