What Speed Ensures Maximum Amplitude for a Mass on a Spring System?

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In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a 2kg mass on a spring with a spring constant of 13 N/m. The mass is attached to a wheel and the road has an amplitude of 2 cm. The question asks for the necessary speed to achieve a maximum amplitude of 4 cm. The problem is related to simple harmonic motion with a forcing function, and the equation for SHO without damping and with a forcing function is needed to solve it. The amplitude of the mass must be twice the amplitude of the forcing function, and the frequency of the forcing function needs to be determined to achieve this. A reference link is provided for equations and a reminder on how to find frequency for a mass on a spring.
  • #1
cutegirl1980
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box of mass 2kg on spring with k=13 N/m, they are on a wheel. The road has an amplitude δ = 2 cm as shown above. What speed is necessary for the
mass to have a maximum amplitude x = 2δ . the picture looks something like this
__
|__| m=2kg
\
/ k=13 N/m
\
/--\__________________
\--/ 16.0 cm

^ the thing the bottom of the spring is connected to looks like a wheel. the distance is 16 cm. can anyone help me, very confusing question.
 
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  • #2
This is a simple harmonic motion problem with a forcing function.

Write the equation for SHO without damping and with a forcing function.

See http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/shm2.html for some basic equations.

You know that the amplitude of the mass on the spring has to be twice the amplitude of the forcing function, and you have to find the frequency of the forcing function that will give you that amplitude.

Remember how to find the frequency of a mass (m) on a spring with constant (k).
 
  • #3


To solve this problem, we can use the equation for the maximum amplitude of a mass-spring system:
x_max = A*sin(ωt)
Where A is the amplitude, ω is the angular frequency, and t is time.
We know that the amplitude of the road is δ = 2 cm, so the maximum amplitude of the mass on the spring would be x_max = 2δ = 4 cm.
We can also calculate the angular frequency ω using the spring constant k and mass m:
ω = √(k/m)
Plugging in the values given in the problem, we get ω = √(13 N/m / 2 kg) = √(6.5) rad/s.
Now, we can set x_max = A*sin(ωt) equal to 4 cm and solve for t:
4 cm = A*sin(√(6.5) rad/s * t)
Solving for t, we get t = 0.613 seconds.
Since we know that the distance between the bottom of the spring and the wheel is 16 cm, we can calculate the speed needed for the mass to reach this distance in 0.613 seconds:
v = d/t = 16 cm / 0.613 s = 26.1 cm/s.
Therefore, the speed necessary for the mass to have a maximum amplitude of 4 cm is 26.1 cm/s.
I hope this helps you solve the problem. Remember to always carefully read the given information and use the appropriate equations to solve for the unknown variables.
 

FAQ: What Speed Ensures Maximum Amplitude for a Mass on a Spring System?

What is amplitude?

Amplitude is the maximum displacement or distance from the equilibrium position in a wave.

How is amplitude measured?

Amplitude is typically measured in units of length, such as meters or centimeters.

What is the relationship between amplitude and energy?

Amplitude is directly proportional to the energy of a wave. The higher the amplitude, the more energy the wave carries.

What factors affect the amplitude of a wave?

The amplitude of a wave can be affected by factors such as the energy source, distance from the source, and the medium through which the wave travels.

How can I solve amplitude problems?

To solve amplitude problems, you will need to use the equation A = 2π/k, where A is the amplitude and k is the wave number. Make sure to carefully identify the given information and plug it into the equation to find the amplitude.

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