Stable and Unstable Equilibriums in a Spring-Mass System on a Loop

In summary, when drawing a figure with a circle and a diameter made of massless wire, a spring attached a distance d from the center of the hoop on the diameter, and a mass on the other end of the spring, there are two stable and two unstable equilibriums. The natural length of the spring is 0 and the hoops roll without slipping. The straight wire is massless and the mass can slide both ways. The pivot point of the spring is fixed and does not move.
  • #1
yxgao
123
0
Imagine drawing the following figure: draw a circle and a diameter. They are made of massless wire. There's a spring attached a distance d from the center of the hoop on the diameter, and a mass on the other end of the spring.

Using physical intuition, where would the two stable equibriums and two unstable equilibriums be?



Note:
natural length of spring is 0
the hoops rolls without slipping
straight wire is massless
yes, the mass can slide both ways
each end of the wire is connected to the loop
 
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  • #2
is the pivot point moveable? (i.e. does d=d(t) or does d=const)
 
  • #3
No, the pivot point of the spring is fixed.
 

1. What is a "Spring mass on wire on loop"?

A "Spring mass on wire on loop" is a physical system consisting of a mass attached to a spring, which is in turn attached to a wire that forms a loop. This system is often used to model the motion of a pendulum or a spring-driven clock.

2. How does the spring affect the motion of the mass on the wire on loop?

The spring provides a restoring force that pulls the mass back towards its equilibrium position when it is displaced. This force is proportional to the displacement of the mass and acts in the opposite direction, causing the mass to oscillate around the equilibrium position.

3. What is the significance of the wire and loop in this system?

The wire and loop provide a fixed point for the spring to be attached to, allowing the mass to move in a specific path and creating a closed loop motion. This also allows for the potential energy of the system to be converted into kinetic energy and vice versa, resulting in the oscillatory motion of the mass.

4. How is the period of oscillation affected by the parameters of the system?

The period of oscillation, which is the time it takes for the mass to complete one full cycle of motion, is affected by the mass, spring constant, and length of the wire. Increasing the mass or length of the wire will result in a longer period, while increasing the spring constant will result in a shorter period.

5. What are some real-life applications of the "Spring mass on wire on loop" system?

Some real-life applications include pendulum clocks, bungee jumping, and shock absorbers in vehicles. It is also used in physics experiments to study the principles of oscillatory motion and to demonstrate the relationship between potential and kinetic energy.

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