Period and amplitude of oscillations.

In summary, after the inelastic collision of block "A" with block "B", the period and amplitude of oscillations are dependent on the initial and final momentum of the system as well as the spring constants and masses of the blocks. In order to find the amplitude, one must consider the initial and final momentum and solve for v_f before equating it to the equation \frac {1}{2} kA^2 = \frac {1}{2} (m_A + m_B) v^2.
  • #1
deezy
18
0

Homework Statement


Block “A” is released with initial velocity v=10 m/s. Find the period and the amplitude
of oscillations after inelastic collision of block “A” with block “B”. The mass of block “A” is
2 kg, the mass of block “B” is 2 kg. The spring constants of the springs are 100 N/m and 300
N/m. The surface is frictionless and the springs are massless.

Homework Equations


[tex]E_i = \frac {1}{2} m_A v^2[/tex]
[tex]E_f = \frac {1}{2} k A^2 + \frac {1}{2} (m_A + m_B) v^2[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I attached the image of the problem at the bottom.

Trying to find the amplitude of oscillations... I tried [tex]E_i = E_f[/tex].

[tex] \frac {1}{2} m_A v^2 = \frac {1}{2} k A^2 + \frac {1}{2} (m_A + m_B) v^2[/tex]
[tex] 200 = 400A^2 + 400[/tex]

Got stuck here, because when I subtract 400 I get -200 on the left side and I can't take the square root... am I setting this up right?
 

Attachments

  • spring problem.png
    spring problem.png
    2.5 KB · Views: 536
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Never mind, I figured out what I was doing wrong.

First you consider the initial and final momentum...
[tex]p_i = p_f[/tex]
[tex]m_A v_i = (m_A + m_B)v_f[/tex]

Solve for [tex]v_f[/tex]...

Then [tex]\frac {1}{2} kA^2 = \frac {1}{2} (m_A + m_B) v^2[/tex].
 

FAQ: Period and amplitude of oscillations.

What is the period of an oscillation?

The period of an oscillation is the amount of time it takes for one complete cycle of oscillation to occur. It is typically measured in seconds.

What affects the period of an oscillation?

The period of an oscillation can be affected by several factors, including the mass of the object, the force applied to the object, and the stiffness of the restoring force.

What is the amplitude of an oscillation?

The amplitude of an oscillation is the maximum displacement of the oscillating object from its equilibrium position. It is typically measured in meters.

How is the amplitude related to the energy of an oscillation?

The amplitude of an oscillation is directly proportional to the energy of the oscillation. This means that as the amplitude increases, so does the energy of the oscillation.

What is the relationship between the period and frequency of an oscillation?

The period and frequency of an oscillation are inversely related. This means that as the period increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa. The frequency is the number of oscillations that occur in one second and is measured in Hertz (Hz).

Back
Top