How much mass should be attached to a vertical ideal spring having a spring constant (force constant) of 39.5 N/m so that it will oscillate at 1.00 Hz?
A) 1.00 kg
B) 1.56 kg
C) 2.00 kg
D) 6.29 kg
E) 39.5 kg

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The frequency of oscillation $f$ for a mass $m$ attached to a spring with spring constant $k$ is given by $f = \frac{1}{2\pi}\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}$. Rearranging to solve for $m$, we get $m = \frac{k}{(2\pi f)^2}$. Substituting $k = 39.5 \, \text{N/m}$ and $f = 1.00 \, \text{Hz}$, we find $m = 1.00 \, \text{kg}$.

How Much Mass Should Be Attached to a Vertical Ideal