Two hanging blocks, each attached to a different spring, undergo oscillatory mot

Question

Two hanging blocks, each attached to a different spring, undergo oscillatory motion. It is desired to determine, without stopping the motion, which block experiences the greater maximum acceleration. Which of the following procedures would accomplish that determination?

9. Two hanging blocks, each attached to a different spring, undergo oscillatory motion. It is desired to determine, without stopping the motion, which block experiences the greater maximum acceleration. Which of the following procedures would accomplish that determination? (A) Place a motion detector underneath each block. On the velocity-time graphs output by the detector, look at the maximum vertical axis value, indicating the highest speed that block attained. Whichever block attains the higher speed has the larger acceleration. (B) Place a motion detector underneath each block. On the velocity-time graphs output by the detector, look at the steepest portion of the graph. Whichever block makes the steeper maximum slope on the velocity-time graph has the greater maximum acceleration. (C) Place a motion detector underneath each block. On the position-time graphs output by the detector, look at the maximum vertical axis value, indicating the amplitude of the motion. Whichever block oscillates with the larger amplitude has the larger acceleration. (D) Place a motion detector underneath each block. On the position-time graphs output by the detector, look at the steepest portion of the graph. Whichever block makes the steeper maximum slope on the position-time graph has the greater maximum acceleration.

Explanation / Answer

C is the answer

General equation for a SHM is : y = A*sin(k*x+w*t)

=> velocity v = dx/dt = A*w*cos(k*x+w*t)

=> Acceleration a = dv/dt = -A*w^2*sin(k*x+w*t)

=> Therefore, a is maximum at x=A in magnitude although acceleration and displacement are opposite in direction.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.