Simple Harmonic Motion and equilibrium of springs

In summary, the figure below shows a system in equilibrium with an ideal pulley and two springs with constants "k". The period of oscillation for the mass A can be calculated using the equation F = -kx, and at least one equation with a dimension of time is needed. The period for a simple mass hanging from a spring is determined by the combined spring constant, and the restoring force for a disturbance from equilibrium in the system can be found by pulling down the mass a small distance x.
  • #1
Mateus Buarque
6
0
The figure below shows a system in equillibrium. The pulley and the springs (both with constants "k") are ideal. The period of oscillation of the mass A is given by:

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Relevant equations:

F = -kx (SHM)

I tried to do a "force diagram" and set up some geometric relations but it´s not working.
 
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  • #2
Hi,

You can start with discarding the answers that have the wrong dimension.
Your relevant equation needs a few colleagues: at least one with a dimension of time.
Would you know how the period for a simple mass hanging from a spring comes about ?
What is the restoring force for a disturbance from equilibrium in your system ?

Oh, and I notice you haven't been welcomed, so here goes:
Hello Mateus, :welcome: !
 
  • #3
Mateus Buarque said:
I tried to do a "force diagram" and set up some geometric relations but it´s not working.
Please show the details of what you have tried.
 
  • #4
BvU said:
Hi,

You can start with discarding the answers that have the wrong dimension.
Your relevant equation needs a few colleagues: at least one with a dimension of time.
Would you know how the period for a simple mass hanging from a spring comes about ?
What is the restoring force for a disturbance from equilibrium in your system ?

Oh, and I notice you haven't been welcomed, so here goes:
Hello Mateus, :welcome: !

Thank you but no answer has a wrong dimension, cause they are all in the form of a constant*root(m/k), which is correct!
 
  • #5
Oops, so that doesn't help. Now how about the 'combined' spring constant ? What is the restoring force if I pull down the mass over a small distance ##x## ?
 

Related to Simple Harmonic Motion and equilibrium of springs

1. What is simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which an object oscillates back and forth around a central equilibrium point. This type of motion is characterized by a restoring force that is directly proportional to the displacement of the object from the equilibrium point, and the motion follows a sinusoidal pattern.

2. What is the equation for simple harmonic motion?

The equation for simple harmonic motion is x(t) = A*sin(ωt + φ), where x is the displacement of the object from the equilibrium point, A is the amplitude of the motion, ω is the angular frequency, and φ is the phase angle.

3. How does the equilibrium position of a spring affect simple harmonic motion?

The equilibrium position of a spring affects simple harmonic motion by determining the starting point of the oscillations and the amplitude of the motion. If the spring is at its natural length, the equilibrium point will be at the center and the amplitude will be at its maximum. If the spring is stretched or compressed, the equilibrium point will shift and the amplitude will decrease.

4. What is the relationship between the mass and period of a spring in simple harmonic motion?

The relationship between the mass and period of a spring in simple harmonic motion is inverse. As the mass of the object attached to the spring increases, the period of the motion will also increase. This is because a larger mass requires a greater force to produce the same amount of acceleration, resulting in a longer period of oscillation.

5. How does changing the spring constant affect the motion of a spring?

The spring constant, also known as the stiffness of the spring, affects the motion of a spring by determining how much force is required to stretch or compress the spring. A higher spring constant will result in a stiffer spring, which will produce a smaller amplitude and a shorter period of motion. Conversely, a lower spring constant will result in a softer spring and a larger amplitude and longer period of motion.

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