An astronaut measures her mass by means of a device consisting of a chair attached to a large spring.The period of oscillation she undergoes when set into motion is used to determine her mass.If the spring constant is 1250 N/m and 27 seconds is required for her to undergo 10 full oscillations what is the mass of the astronaut and chair?
A) 231 kg
B) 537 kg
C) 85.5 kg
D) 171 kg

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The period of oscillation is given by:T = 2π√(m/k)where m is the mass of the astronaut and chair, and k is the spring constant.Solving for m, we get:m = kT^2/(4π^2)Substituting the given values, we get:m = (1250 N/m)(27 s)^2/(4π^2) = 231 kgTherefore, the mass of the astronaut and chair is 231 kg.

An Astronaut Measures Her Mass by Means of a Device