Damped harmonic motion
Not what you're looking for?
This problem is an example of critically damped harmonic motion.
A hollow steel ball weighing 4 pounds (mass = 1/8 slugs) is suspended from a spring. This stretches the spring 1/8 feet. The ball is started in motion from the equilibrium position with a downward velocity of 8 feet per second. The air resistance (in pounds) of the moving ball numerically equals 4 times its velocity (in feet per second) . Suppose that after t seconds the ball is y feet below its rest position. Find y in terms of t.
Take as the gravitational acceleration 32 feet per second per second. (Note that the positive y direction is down in this problem.)
When using English units (lb, ft, etc.) you need to be a bit careful with equations involving mass. Pounds (lb) is a unit of force, not mass. Using mg=F and g=32 ft/sec^2 we see that if an object weights L pounds it will have a mass of L/32 lb*sec^2/ft (or slugs).
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
This is a problem regarding damped harmonic motion of a steel ball.
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Probability Quiz
Some questions on probability
Solving quadratic inequalities
This quiz test you on how well you are familiar with solving quadratic inequalities.
Exponential Expressions
In this quiz, you will have a chance to practice basic terminology of exponential expressions and how to evaluate them.
Multiplying Complex Numbers
This is a short quiz to check your understanding of multiplication of complex numbers in rectangular form.
Graphs and Functions
This quiz helps you easily identify a function and test your understanding of ranges, domains , function inverses and transformations.