Mass added to a spring to increase period of oscillation

In summary, in order for the period of oscillation to increase by a factor of two, the total mass must be increased by a factor of three. This can be determined by the equation T = 2π√(m/k) where T is the period, m is the mass, and k is the spring constant.
  • #1
jomha
2
0

Homework Statement



7. Mass m is oscillating on the end of a spring. How much mass must be added in order for the
period of oscillation to increase by a factor of two?
A.m
B.2m
C.3m
D.4m
E.8m

Homework Equations



f=-kx
w= [tex]\sqrt{k/m}[/tex]
T = 2[tex]\pi[/tex][tex]\sqrt{m/k}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



since period (T) is proportional to the square root of m and we want 2t, i had 2T=[tex]\sqrt{m}[/tex] so 2^2 =4

the given answer is 3 and i don't know how this was chosen
 
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  • #2
You found the factor by which the total mass has to increase. But what do they ask for?
 
  • #3
yeah that makes sense haha 4xm =4m - m that i started with is 3m
thanks a lot it was blowing my mind
 

FAQ: Mass added to a spring to increase period of oscillation

What is the relationship between mass added to a spring and the period of oscillation?

The period of oscillation of a spring is directly proportional to the square root of the mass added to it. This means that as the mass added increases, the period of oscillation will also increase.

How does increasing the mass added affect the frequency of oscillation?

Increasing the mass added to a spring will decrease the frequency of oscillation. This is because frequency and period of oscillation are inversely proportional.

What is the formula for calculating the period of oscillation when mass is added to a spring?

The formula for calculating the period of oscillation when mass is added to a spring is T = 2π√(m/k), where T is the period, m is the mass added, and k is the spring constant.

Is there a limit to how much mass can be added to a spring to increase its period of oscillation?

Yes, there is a limit to how much mass can be added to a spring to increase its period of oscillation. This is because as the mass added increases, the spring may become too heavy and stretch beyond its elastic limit, causing it to lose its ability to oscillate.

Can the period of oscillation be increased by adding mass to a spring with a larger spring constant?

Yes, the period of oscillation can still be increased by adding mass to a spring with a larger spring constant. However, the increase in period will not be as significant as with a spring with a smaller spring constant.

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