Math Problem Statement

An object of unknown mass is attached to a spring with a force constant of 220 N/m and set so that it is in simple harmonic motion. A total of 14 oscillations occur each 16 s. What is the mass of the object? (Express your answer to two significant figures.)

Solution

To solve this problem, we will use the relationship between the period of oscillation in simple harmonic motion, the spring constant, and the mass of the object.

Step 1: Find the period of oscillation

The total time for 14 oscillations is t=16st = 16 \, \text{s}. Therefore, the period of one oscillation, TT, is:

T=Total timeNumber of oscillations=16141.14sT = \frac{\text{Total time}}{\text{Number of oscillations}} = \frac{16}{14} \approx 1.14 \, \text{s}

Step 2: Use the formula for the period of a spring-mass system

The period of oscillation for a spring-mass system is given by:

T=2πmkT = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}

Where:

  • TT is the period (1.14s1.14 \, \text{s}),
  • kk is the spring constant (220N/m220 \, \text{N/m}),
  • mm is the mass of the object.

Rearranging the formula to solve for mm:

m=T2k4π2m = \frac{T^2 k}{4\pi^2}

Step 3: Substitute the known values

Substitute T=1.14sT = 1.14 \, \text{s} and k=220N/mk = 220 \, \text{N/m}:

m=(1.14)22204π2m = \frac{(1.14)^2 \cdot 220}{4\pi^2}

Step 4: Calculate mm

First, calculate 1.1421.14^2:

1.142=1.29961.14^2 = 1.2996

Now substitute into the equation:

m=1.29962204π2m = \frac{1.2996 \cdot 220}{4\pi^2}

m=285.91239.47847.24kgm = \frac{285.912}{39.4784} \approx 7.24 \, \text{kg}

Final Answer:

The mass of the object is approximately:

7.2kg\boxed{7.2 \, \text{kg}}


Would you like additional details or explanations? Here are related questions:

  1. What is the relationship between frequency and period in harmonic motion?
  2. How does the spring constant affect the period of oscillation?
  3. How would increasing the spring constant change the mass calculated in this problem?
  4. What assumptions are made when analyzing simple harmonic motion?
  5. How can damping forces affect the oscillation period?

Tip: Always double-check unit consistency when applying physical formulas to avoid calculation errors!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Simple Harmonic Motion
Oscillation Period
Physics - Mechanics

Formulas

Period of oscillation formula: T = 2π√(m/k)
Period calculation: T = Total time / Number of oscillations
Mass calculation: m = T^2 * k / (4π^2)

Theorems

Simple Harmonic Motion formula for a mass-spring system

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12