- #1
dm66048
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Homework Statement
A block of mass m is attached to the end of a horizontally mounted spring as shown.
The spring has a spring constant k and obeys Hooke’s law. The block is given an initial
displacement xo, after which it oscillates back and forth without frictional effects.
(a) Write an expression for the magnitude of the momentum p of the block as a function of its displacement x
from its equilibrium position, given m, k, and xo.
(b) What are the minimum and maximum values of the magnitude of the momentum, and where do they occur in the motion of the block?
Homework Equations
I know that the force of the spring on the block is F= -kx, and that the spring has stored the elastic PE= 1/2 kx^2, but i am not sure how to relate this to momentum. I do know that the rate of change (with respect to time) of the momentum is equal to the force, so is it equal to -kx?
any help would be greatly appreciated.
as for part b, I am not sure how to attain this answer.