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

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The discussion focuses on the correct differential equation for a mass-spring oscillation lab involving a 200-gram mass. The initial equation presented was kx - b(dx/dt)^2 = m(d^2x/dt^2), which raised doubts about its accuracy. Participants clarified that for undamped simple harmonic motion, the correct form is m(d^2x/dt^2) + ω₀²x = 0, and suggested including friction in the equation. The modified equation incorporating friction is m(d^2x/dt^2) + ω₀²x + b(dx/dt)² = 0. This discussion emphasizes the importance of accurately representing forces in differential equations for oscillatory motion.
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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The equation for undamped simple harmonic motion is:

m\!\stackrel{..}{x} +\, \omega_0^2x = 0

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

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

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

cookiemonster
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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