A block oscillates horizontally on a frictionless table
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
A 0.50kg block oscillates horizontally on a frictionless table, attached to a spring with constant 40Nm−1. The block is initially pulled to the right so that the amplitude of the motion is 0.12m and then released from rest. After several cycles, a motorized striker delivers an impulse to the block precisely as it passes through equilibrium traveling rightward, adding 0.35J of mechanical energy to the system essentially instantaneously.
(a) Determine the new amplitude of oscillation immediately after the striker acts.
(b) Calculate the percentage increase in the maximum speed of the block resulting from the added energy.
(c) If instead the striker removed 0.35J of mechanical energy at equilibrium, would the resulting motion still be simple harmonic? Explain, citing any conditions required for your answer.