Question

A heavy 7kg mass on a 12 N/m spring oscillates with an amplitude of 23 cm.

What is the greatest speed the mass reaches in m/s during its oscillation?

I figured out the frequency (2.08 Hz). But where in any of my equations for springs and harmonic motion is there a speed term?

I know there is v = delta x / t, but what would position be for this spring?

Answer 1

A spring moves from max stored PEergy to max KE tence to max PE again.
Max PE=1/2 kx^2 where x is max amplitude
= 1/2 (12)(.23)^2
max KE=1/2 m v^2
set them equal, solve for v max.

Answer 2

Thank you!