Chapter 10: Problem 38
Suppose that the block weighs \(w\) pounds and vibrates with a period of 3 s when it is pulled below the equilibrium position and released. Suppose also that if the process is repeated with an additional 4 lb of weight, then the period is 5 s. (a) Find the spring constant. (b) Find \(w\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Spring constant \( k = \frac{g}{\pi^2} \); Weight \( w = 9 \text{ lb} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We have a block connected to a spring. The system vibrates with a period that changes when the weight is modified. We need to find the spring constant and the original weight of the block.
02
Use Formula for Period of a Spring System
The period of a spring-mass system is given by the formula: \[ T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} \]where \( T \) is the period, \( m \) is the mass, and \( k \) is the spring constant. Convert weights to mass using the relation \( m = \frac{w}{g} \), where \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity.
03
Apply to First Condition
For the first condition, where the period is 3 seconds and weight is \( w \), we have:\[ 3 = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{w/g}{k}} \]Simplify this to:\[ \frac{9g}{4\pi^2} = \frac{w}{k} \]
04
Apply to Second Condition
For the second condition, where the period is 5 seconds and weight is \( w + 4 \) lb, we have:\[ 5 = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{(w+4)/g}{k}} \]Simplify this to:\[ \frac{25g}{4\pi^2} = \frac{w+4}{k} \]
05
Solve Equations for Spring Constant \( k \)
We have two equations:1. \( \frac{9g}{4\pi^2} = \frac{w}{k} \)2. \( \frac{25g}{4\pi^2} = \frac{w+4}{k} \)Subtract the first equation from the second:\[ \frac{16g}{4\pi^2} = \frac{4}{k} \]Solve for \( k \):\[ k = \frac{g}{\pi^2} \]
06
Use Spring Constant to Find Weight \( w \)
Substitute \( k = \frac{g}{\pi^2} \) back into one of the equations. Using the first equation:\[ \frac{9g}{4\pi^2} = \frac{w}{k} \]\[ \frac{9}{4\pi^2} = \frac{w}{g/\pi^2} \]Solve for \( w \):\[ w = 9 \text{ lb} \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Spring Constant
In a spring-mass system, the spring constant, represented by the symbol \( k \), plays a crucial role. It measures the stiffness of a spring. A higher spring constant means a stiffer spring, requiring more force to stretch or compress. To find the spring constant in the exercise, we use the equation for the period of a spring-mass system: \[ T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} \]Here, \( T \) is the period, \( m \) is the mass, and \( k \) is our spring constant.
- The relationship is derived from Hooke's Law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to its displacement.
- In this specific case, we found \( k \) by solving simultaneous equations based on different periods.
- The determined spring constant was \( \frac{g}{\pi^2} \), where \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity.
Weight and Period Relationship
The weight of the block and the period of oscillation are interconnected in a spring-mass system. The period of the spring's vibration changes when the weight, or mass, attached to it varies.
- Lighter weights result in shorter periods because there is less mass for the spring to move.
- Heavier weights have longer periods, indicating more mass requires more time to complete an oscillation.
Harmonic Motion
The concept of harmonic motion is fundamental to understanding spring-mass systems. Harmonic motion refers to periodic movements where the restoring force is proportional to displacement, following Hooke’s Law.
- A classic example is a block attached to a spring, as in this exercise.
- The system oscillates back and forth around an equilibrium or rest position.
- This motion is predictable and can be modeled mathematically.
Mass-Spring Equation
The mass-spring equation is a mathematical model capturing the dynamics of spring-mass systems. It relates the spring constant, mass, and period of oscillation, providing insights into the system's behaviors.For this exercise, the relevant equation was:\[ T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} \]
- This equation tells us how the mass \( m \) and spring constant \( k \) affect the period \( T \).
- The mass must be converted from weight using the relation \( m = \frac{w}{g} \), where \( g \) is gravity.