Math Problem Statement

A 0.389 kg mass is attached to a spring and undergoes simple harmonic motion with a period of 0.818 s. The total energy of the system is 1.4 J. Find the amplitude of the motion. Answer in units of m.

Solution

To find the amplitude of the motion, we can use the total energy formula for a simple harmonic oscillator:

E=12kA2E = \frac{1}{2}kA^2

Where:

  • EE is the total energy (1.4J1.4 \, \text{J}),
  • kk is the spring constant,
  • AA is the amplitude.

Step 1: Relate the spring constant kk to the mass mm and the period TT

The spring constant can be calculated using the formula:

k=4π2mT2k = \frac{4\pi^2 m}{T^2}

Given:

  • m=0.389kgm = 0.389 \, \text{kg},
  • T=0.818sT = 0.818 \, \text{s},

Substitute the values:

k=4π2(0.389)(0.818)2k = \frac{4\pi^2 (0.389)}{(0.818)^2}

k15.3270.66922.91N/mk \approx \frac{15.327}{0.669} \approx 22.91 \, \text{N/m}

Step 2: Solve for the amplitude AA

Rearrange the total energy formula to solve for AA:

A=2EkA = \sqrt{\frac{2E}{k}}

Substitute E=1.4JE = 1.4 \, \text{J} and k=22.91N/mk = 22.91 \, \text{N/m}:

A=2(1.4)22.91A = \sqrt{\frac{2(1.4)}{22.91}}

A=2.822.910.12220.350mA = \sqrt{\frac{2.8}{22.91}} \approx \sqrt{0.1222} \approx 0.350 \, \text{m}

Final Answer:

The amplitude of the motion is:

0.350m\boxed{0.350 \, \text{m}}

Let me know if you want further clarification or details! Here are five related questions you might find helpful:

  1. How is the spring constant related to the motion's frequency?
  2. How would the amplitude change if the total energy increased?
  3. Can you derive the relationship between period and spring constant?
  4. How does the mass affect the period of oscillation?
  5. What happens to the energy distribution between kinetic and potential energy during oscillation?

Tip: Remember, the total energy in simple harmonic motion is conserved and distributed between potential and kinetic energy!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Simple Harmonic Motion
Spring-Mass System
Energy in Oscillatory Motion

Formulas

E = (1/2)kA^2
k = (4π^2 * m) / T^2
A = √(2E / k)

Theorems

Conservation of Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12