Physics 71 DQ 15

Discussion Quiz 15 (40 points)

Class No. & Surname:
U  U-1  U-2  U-3  U-4
Answer each question completely in the spaces provided. This is a closed notes quiz but
you are allowed to discuss with your classmate. Round your final answer properly and box
it. Explicitly state the coordinate system you used. Use g = 9.80 [m/s2 ].

1. A mass m is attached to a spring of force constant 75 [N/m] and allowed to oscillate.

The following figure shows a graph of its velocity as a function of time t.
(a) [3 pts] What is the period, frequency and angular frequency for this motion.

Solution:
T = 1.60 [s] (1)
1
f= = 0.625 [Hz] (2)
T
ω = 2πf = 3.93 [rad/s] (3)

(b) [3 pts] What is the amplitude and at what times does the mass reach this po-
sition?

Solution: vx = vmax when x = 0, so 21 kA2 = 12 mvmax

2
. A = vmax mk and
p
q
f = 2π mk , so A = vmax /(2πf ). From the graph, vmax = 0.20 [m/s], so
1

A = 0.051 [m] . The mass is at x = ±A when vx = 0, and this occurs at

t = 0.4 [s], 1.2 [s], and 2.0 [s].

(c) [2 pts] Find the maximum acceleration of the mass and the times at which it
occurs.

Solution:
kA
amax = = (2πf )2 A = 0.79 [m/s] (4)
m
Physics 71 DQ 15

(d) [2 pts] What is the mass m?

Solution:  2
m T
T = 2π m=k = 4.9 [kg] (5)
k 2π

2. A 10.0-[kg] mass is traveling to the right with a speed of 2.00 [m/s] on a smooth
horizontal surface collides with and sticks to a second 10.0 [kg] mass that is initially
at rest but is attached to a light spring with force constant 110.0 [N/m].
(a) [5 pts] Find the frequency, amplitude, and period of the subsequent oscillations.

Solution: Conservation of momentum during collision: mv0 = (2m)V .

1
V = v0 = 1.00 [m/s] (6)
2
Conservation of energy after collision: 12 M V 2 = 12 kx2 .
r
MV 2
x= = 0.426 [m] (7)
k
p 1
p 1
ω = 2πf = k/M , f = 2π k/M = 0.373 [Hz] . T = f = 2.68 [s]

(b) [5 pts] How long does it take the system to return the first time to the position
it had immediately after the collision?

Solution: It takes 1/2 period to first return. 1.34 [s]

Physics 71 DQ 15

3. You pull a simple pendulum 0.240 [m] long to the side through an angle of 3.50◦ and
release it.
(a) [5 pts] How much time does it take for the pendulum bob to reach its highest
speed?

Solution: The highest speed is when the bob reaches the bottom of the bob,
thus s
T π L
= = 0.25 [s] (8)
4 2 g

(b) [5 pts] How much time does it take if the pendulum is released at an angle of
1.75◦ instead of 3.50◦ ?

Solution: The same as calculated in part (a), 0.25 [s]. The period is inde-
pendent of amplitude.
Physics 71 DQ 15

4. [10 pts] A square object is constructed by four identical uniform thin sticks, each of
length L and mass m, that is attached together. This object is hung on a hook at its
upper corner. If it is rotated slightly to the left
and then released, at what frequency
1
will it swing back and forth? Icm,rod = 12 mL2

Solution: r
1 mobj gd
f= (9)
2π I
First, use parallel axis theorem to find the moment of inertia at the center of
square Icenter
Icenter = Icm + M d2 (10)
   2
1 2 L 4
=4 mL + 4m mL2 (11)
12 2 3
Another use of parallel axis theorem to determine the moment of inertia at the
pivot Ipivot ,

Ipivot = Icenter + (4m)d2 (12)

4  √ 2
2
= mL + (4m) L/ 2 (13)
3
4 10
= mL2 + 2mL2 = mL2 (14)
3 3
L
The center of mass is located at the center of the square, thus d = √
2
, so
s √ s √
1 (4m)(g)(L/ 2) 1 3 2mgL
f= 10 = (15)
2π 3 mL
2 2π 5mL2