Physics

Physics

Problem

A block attached to a horizontal spring slides on a frictionless surface. When the block is displaced ss meters from its equilibrium position, the spring exerts a restoring force that produces an acceleration a(s)=−4sa(s)=-4s (in m/s2\text{m/s}^2). Initially, the block is released from rest at s=1 ms=1\,\text{m}. a. Part 1: (a) Write a differential equation that relates the velocity vv of the block to its position ss. b. Part 2: (b) Solve the equation from part (a) to obtain vv explicitly as a function of ss for the outward motion (ss decreasing toward 0). c. Part 3: (c) Using a second appropriate differential equation, derive an expression for the time tt required for the block to move from s=1 ms=1\,\text{m} to the equilibrium position s=0 ms=0\,\text{m}. d. Part 4: (d) Determine the maximum speed attained by the block during its motion and state when (in terms of position) that speed occurs.

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