Problems on Simple Harmonic Oscillation

S13 A mass attached to the end of a spring forms a simple oscillator. The mass and spring oscillate in a horizontal plane so that we can ignore gravity. When mass M is attached to a spring of force constant 250 N/m it oscillates at a frequency of 2.5 Hz. The amplitude of oscillation is 5.0 cm.
a.) What is the value of M to cause the above oscillation?
b.) What is the force on M when it is displaced from its equilibrium position by 1/2 of its maximum displacement in its oscillation?
c.) At what point in its motion is the acceleration of M largest?
d.) What are the only two things you can do to this system to cause it to oscillate at 1.25 Hz?
S14 A 1.0 kg mass is attached to a 200 N/m spring. The system initially sits at its equilibrium position. Energy is transferred by tapping on the mass causing it to begin oscillation with an amplitude of 5.0 cm.
a.) How much time elapses before the mass first returns to its equilibrium position?
b.) How much time elapses before the mass reaches its maximum displacement in the direction opposite to which it is tapped for the second time?
c.) What is the position of the mass 2.0 seconds after it is tapped?
d.) What is the velocity of the mass when it first returns to its equilibrium position?

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Last updated: 10 Sep 1999
Comments: bland@indiana.edu