What is the resulting frequency of the oscillation?

[jimmyboykun]

Homework Statement

A 0.31-kg mass is hanging from a spring with spring constant 13 N/m. Then the mass is displaced from the equilibrium by 3.3 cm and let go.

Homework Equations

for frequencthy the equation would be 1/T

The Attempt at a Solution

to T I would use this equation 2∏sqrtm/k
2∏sqrt0.033m/13N/m= 0.316566651s

1/0.316566651s= 3.158892436Hz
I got this wrong but, this is the only equation for frequency that I was taught in class. What did I do wrong.

 

[Doc Al]

to T I would use this equation 2∏sqrtm/k
2∏sqrt0.033m/13N/m= 0.316566651s

In the equation, 'm' stands for the mass (measured in kg); you put in the displacement (measured in meters). Fix that!

 

[jimmyboykun]

ok got it, but what about the displacement? does it not play a role in the equation?

 

[Doc Al]

ok got it, but what about the displacement? does it not play a role in the equation?

Not in that equation, which is for the period. The period of oscillation (for SHM) does not depend on amplitude.

 

[Nickie]

Your attempt at a solution is close, but there are a few errors. First, the equation for frequency is f=1/T, not 1/T. So the first step would be to find the period, T, using the equation T=2π√m/k. Plugging in the values, we get T= 2π√(0.31kg/13N/m)= 0.316566651s.

Next, we can find the frequency by plugging the period into the equation f=1/T. So, f= 1/0.316566651s= 3.158892436Hz.

One possible reason why you may have gotten the wrong answer is that you used the wrong value for mass. In your attempt, you used 0.033kg instead of 0.31kg. Another possibility is that you may have made a calculation error. Make sure to double check your calculations and units to ensure accuracy.