In: Physics
A mass of 0.30 kg is attached to a spring and set into oscillation on a horizontal frictionless surface. The simple harmonic motion of the mass is described by x(t) = (0.48 m)cos[(8 rad/s)t]. Determine the following.
(a) amplitude of oscillation for the oscillating mass. Answer in m
(b) force constant for the spring. Answer in N/m
(c) position of the mass after it has been oscillating for one half a period. Answer in m
(d) position of the mass one-third of a period after it has been released. Answer in m
(e) time it takes the mass to get to the position x = ?0.10 m after it has been released. Answer in s
Mass 
Displacement of mass as a function of time 
(a)
Comparing the above equation with the equation for displacement of a particle in simple harmonic motion,

Amplitude of oscillation of mass 
.
(b)
Using the formula 
,
Force constant of spring 
(c)
Time period of oscillation 
One half of a period is 
Position at that time 
  is 
(d)
Time period of oscillation 
One third of a period is 
Position at that time 
  is 
(e)
position 
.


