asst 35 query

course Phy 121

򪁾Hνassignment #035

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Physics I

07-26-2007

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11:47:06

Query introductory problem set 9, #'s 12-17 How do we find the mass of a simple harmonic oscillator if we know the restoring force constant k and how long it takes to complete a cycle?

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angular frequency = sqrt(k/m). Then you would just plug in what you know.

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11:48:28

We know the basic relationship omega = sqrt(k/m), which we can solve to get m = omega^2 * k. We are given k, so if we know omega we can easily find m. We know how long it takes to complete a cycle so we can find the angular frequency omega:

From the time to complete a cycle we find the frequency, which is the reciprocal of the time required. From frequency we find angular frequency omega, using the fact that 1 complete cycle corresponds to 2 pi radians.

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I can't really get the terminology correct. I thought that since we had the oscillation, we knew the angular frequency. But I see now that you have to solve for it by plugging in the oscillation into 2 pi (freqency) to get it in radians/sec.

The basic idea:

Frequency is how many cycles per unit of time. Angular frequency is how many radians per unit of time. There are 2 pi radians in a cycle.

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11:52:31

If we know the mass and length of a pendulum how can we find its restoring force constant (assuming displacements x much less than pendulum length)?

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In example 15, it said that displacement was 1/10 of the length so therefore the restoring force is 1/10 of the weight. So I am guessing that since there is the stipulation that the displacements x are much less than the pendulum length this means that this correlation applies when it is these types of problems. Then we found the k by multiply the force time displacement and then plugged it into the angular frequency equation.

What you say is so and the idea is essential, but think in terms of the result, which is that k is equal to m g / L. This is the unifying concept, and the reasoning you give is why it is so.

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11:53:56

For small displacement from equilibrium vector resolution of the forces tells us that the x component of tension in the same proportion to tension as the displacement x to the length L:

x / L

Since for small angles the tension is very nearly equal to the weight mg of the pendulum this gives us

Tx / m g = x / L so that

Tx = (m g / L) * x.

Since Tx is the restoring force tending to pull the pendulum back toward equilibrium we have

restoring force = k * x

for k = m g / L. So the restoring force constant is m g / L.

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ok.

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11:54:39

Query Add comments on any surprises or insights you experienced

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I am still trying to get a hang of this. The terminology is hard to remember when thinking about which equation it goes with.

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11:54:42

as a result of this assignment.

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Good work. See my notes and let me know if you have questions. &#