Simple harmonic motion

Question 1

Equilibrium equation with gravity

Answer 1

equilibrium is reached when the force of gravity is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the restorative force of the spring. mg = kx

Question 2

Period, T, for a spring-mass system

Answer 2

T = 2pi*sqrt(m/k), where k is the spring constant and m is the mass. Note that the period does NOT depend on the displacement of the spring or the gravity in which the spring is oscillating.

Question 3

Period, T, for a pendulum

Answer 3

T = 2pi*sqrt(L/g), where L is the length of the string and g is the acceleration of gravity. Note that the mass at the end of the string and the displacement from equilibrium DO NOT affect the period of the pendulum at all

Question 4

Potential energy

Answer 4

.5kx^2 (greatest at the height of the oscillation and the bottom of the oscillation)

Question 5

Kinetic energy

Answer 5

.5mv^2 (greatest at the middle of the oscillation)

Question 6

Acceleration

Answer 6

greatest at the height of the oscillation and at the bottom of the oscillation (F = ma)