Chapter 3: Problem 12
A mass of 1 slug is suspended from a spring whose spring constant is \(9 \mathrm{lb} / \mathrm{ft}\). The mass is initially released from a point 1 foot above the equilibrium position with an upward velocity of \(\sqrt{3} \mathrm{ft} / \mathrm{s}\). Find the times for which the mass is heading downward at a velocity of \(3 \mathrm{ft} / \mathrm{s}\).
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Set up the differential equation
Determine the general solution
Use initial conditions to find constants
Develop velocity function
Solve for time when velocity is -3 ft/s
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Differential Equations
Given that we have a spring-mass system, we can encounter differential equations like this:
- The general form is typically:
\[ m\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} + kx = 0 \]
where \( m \) represents the mass and \( k \) represents the spring constant. - The mass, in this case, is given as \(1\) slug, and the spring constant is \(9\) lb/ft, leading us to
\[ \frac{d^2x}{dt^2} + 9x = 0 \]
Initial Value Problem
Let's look at this particular problem:
- Initial displacement: The mass starts from a position 1 foot above equilibrium \( x(0) = 1 \).
- Initial velocity: The upward velocity at that moment is \( \frac{dx}{dt}(0) = \sqrt{3} \) ft/s.
Trigonometric Solution
- The characteristic equation:
\[ r^2 + 9 = 0 \]
leads to complex roots \( r = \pm 3i \), suggesting a trigonometric solution. - This results in the general solution:
\[ x(t) = C_1 \cos(3t) + C_2 \sin(3t) \]
Mechanical Oscillations
Here's a breakdown of this concept:
- The position of the mass over time follows a sinusoidal path as described by the trigonometric solution:
\[ x(t) = C_1 \cos(3t) + C_2 \sin(3t) \] - The velocity, which shows how fast the mass is moving, changes over time as well, described by the derivative:
\[ \frac{dx}{dt} = -3\cos(3t) + \sqrt{3}\sin(3t) \] - Mechanical oscillations like these are influenced by factors like damping, resonance, and external forces, though in this simple system, only the spring and the mass dictate the movement.