Is This the Correct Differential Equation for a Mass-Spring Oscillation Lab?

In summary, the conversation was about a lab involving attaching a 200 gram mass to a spring, displacing it and measuring the period of oscillations. The speaker wrote down an incorrect differential equation and was unsure of the correct one. The correct equation for undamped simple harmonic motion is m\!\stackrel{..}{x} +\, \omega_0^2x = 0 and can be solved using a solution of the form y = A\cdot \textrm{cos}(\omega x + \phi). However, the speaker also needed to include friction in the equation, which can be done by adding the term b\!\stackrel{.}{x}^2 = 0. They were
  • #1
formulajoe
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this is for a lab, but i wrote down the wrong equation. the lab was about attaching a 200 gram mass to a spring. we had to displace it so many cm, and than release it. we had to measure the period of the oscillations. but we are supposed to compare this measured period with a period obtained from the solution of the appropriate differential equation. i wrote down this for the diff eq, but I am not sure if its right

-kx -b(dx/dt)^2=m(d^2x/dt^2)

is this the correct one? and if it is, where can i find the solution to this?
 
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  • #2
The equation for undamped simple harmonic motion is:

[tex]m\!\stackrel{..}{x} +\, \omega_0^2x = 0[/tex]

It can be solved by attempting a solution of the form [itex]y = A\cdot \textrm{cos}(\omega x + \phi)[/itex]

cookiemonster
 
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  • #3
this needs to include friction. that's the b*v^2. i can't find anything anywhere that has a differential equation with friction.
 
  • #4
Just add a term:

[tex]m\!\stackrel{..}{x} +\, \omega_0^2x + b\!\stackrel{.}{x}^2 = 0[/tex]

cookiemonster
 

FAQ: Is This the Correct Differential Equation for a Mass-Spring Oscillation Lab?

What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that relates the rate of change of a function to the function itself. It involves one or more derivatives of an unknown function and is used to model a wide range of physical phenomena in science and engineering.

What is the difference between an ordinary and a partial differential equation?

An ordinary differential equation involves only one independent variable, while a partial differential equation involves multiple independent variables. In other words, an ordinary differential equation describes a relationship between a function and its derivatives with respect to a single variable, whereas a partial differential equation describes a relationship between a function and its partial derivatives with respect to multiple variables.

What are some real-world applications of differential equations?

Differential equations are used to model a wide variety of natural phenomena, such as population growth, chemical reactions, fluid flow, heat transfer, and electrical circuits. They are also used in engineering to design and optimize systems, such as bridges, airplanes, and nuclear reactors.

What are the different types of differential equations?

There are several types of differential equations, including ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, linear differential equations, non-linear differential equations, and stochastic differential equations. Each type has its own unique properties and can be solved using different methods.

How are differential equations solved?

The solution to a differential equation is a function that satisfies the equation. There are various methods for solving differential equations, including separation of variables, integrating factors, power series, and numerical methods. The choice of method depends on the type of differential equation and the initial conditions given.

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