Assignment V

Mostafa Saied Abdulhamid

August 5, 2025

Problem Is Solved Value Problem Is Solved Value

Problem 1.1 Yes 0.0833 Problem 3.1 Yes 8.3 × 1011

Problem 1.2 Yes – Problem 3.2 Yes 4.55

Problem 1.3 Yes 0 Problem 3.3 Yes 0.0455

Problem 1.4 Yes – Problem 3.4 Yes 0.6

Problem 1.5 Yes – Problem 3.5 Yes –

Problem 2.1 No – Problem 4.1 Yes 9.46%

Problem 2.2 Yes 244351 Problem 4.2 No –

Problem 2.3 Yes -90942.3 Problem 4.3 Yes 0.0355

Problem 2.4 Yes 245436 Problem 4.4 Yes 0.6

Problem 2.5 No – Problem 4.5 Yes 3.3

1
 2

Problem 1.1:
Using Midpoint Riemann sum, estimate the area under the curve of the function
f (x) = 14 x2 + 3 from x = 0 to x = 4 when using n = 4 rectangles. After comput-
ing it, find the difference between the midpoint Reimann sum estimation and the
integration exact answer.

Solution 1.1:
4−0
∆x = =1
4

The midpoints of each subinterval:

x1 = 0.5, x2 = 1.5, x3 = 2.5, x4 = 3.5

Evaluate the f(x) at each point:

1
f (0.5) = (0.5)2 + 3 = 3.0625
4

1
f (1.5) = (1.5)2 + 3 = 3.5625
4
1
f (2.5) = (2.5)2 + 3 = 4.5625
4
1
f (3.5) = (3.5)2 + 3 = 6.0625
4

Reimann Sum:

Area = ∆x(f (0.5)+f (1.5)+f (2.5)+f (3.5)) = 1×(3.0625+3.5625+4.5625+6.0625) = 17.25

By using the integral:

Z 4
1 2 1Z 4 2 Z 4
1
x + 3 dx = x dx + 3 dx = x3 + 3x + c
0 4 4 0 0 12
 3

1 3 1 1
 4
Area = x + 3x + c = × 43 + 3 × 4 + c − × 03 − 3 × 0 − c
12 0 12 12
1 52
Area = × 64 + 12 =
12 3

Difference:
52
− 17.25 = 0.0833
3

Problem 1.2:
Solve the following differential equation for f (x) if the point (0, 1) lies on the graph
of the function.
y ′ = xe−x

Solution 1.2:
To got the function y, get the integral to both sides:

Z
y= xe−x dx

By using integral with by parts:

Z Z
udv = uv − vdu

let u = x, dv = e−x , so v = = −e−x

R −x
e

Z Z
xe−x dx = −xe−x − −e−x dx

y = −xe−x − e−x + c

Subtitue with point (0, 1):

1=0−1+c ⇒ c= 2

y = −xe−x − e−x + 2
 4

Problem 1.3:
Evaluate:
x − 18
Z 41 !
tan dx
−5 (x − 18)2 + 1

Solution 1.3:
let u = x - 18, and change the bounds. When x = -5, u = -5 - 18 = -23. when x = 41, u
= 41 - 18 = 23: !
Z 23
u
tan du
−23 (u) + 1
2

Subtitue with -1 in f(u):

1
!
−1 −1
   
f (−1) = tan = tan = − tan
(−1)2 + 1 2 2

The odd function is the function which is f(-x) = -f(x), such as tan function. Addtionally,
the integral of this type of functions, like:

Z a Z 0 Z a
f (x) dx = f (x) dx + f (x) dx
−a −a 0

Z a Z 0 Z a
f (x) dx = − f (−x) dx + f (x) dx
−a a 0

Replace the bounds and multiply by -1;

Z a Z a Z a
f (x) dx = −f (x) dx + f (x) dx
−a 0 0

Z a Z a Z a
f (x) dx = − f (x) dx + f (x) dx = 0
−a 0 0
Z 23 !
u
tan du = 0
−23 (u) + 1
2
 5

Problem 1.4:
Evaluate: √
Z
2x + 1
  dx
(x + 1)(2x + 1) sin−1 x
x+1

Solution 1.4:
 
let u = sin−1 x
x+1
:
du 1 d x
 
=r 2 · dx x + 1
dx 
1− x
x+1

d x (x + 1) − x 1
 
= =
dx x + 1 (x + 1)2 (x + 1)2
du 1 1
=r  2 ·
dx (x+1)2
x
− (x+1) (x + 1)2
(x+1)2 2

du 1 1
=r ·
dx (x+1)2 −x2 (x + 1)2
(x+1)2

du 1 1
= q x2 +2x+1−x2 ·
dx 2
(x + 1)2
(x+1)

du 1 1
= q 2x+1 ·
dx 2
(x + 1)2
(x+1)
√
(x+1)2
By multipling by √ 2 (x+1)

du x+1 1 1
=√ · = √
dx 2x + 1 (x + 1) 2 (x + 1) 2x + 1
√
dx = du(x + 1) 2x + 1
√  
Subtitue in the integral with dx = du(x + 1) 2x + 1 and sin−1 x+1
x
=u

√
Z
2x + 1 √
du(x + 1) 2x + 1
(x + 1)(2x + 1)u
 6

Z
1 √
√ du(x + 1) 2x + 1
(x + 1) 2x + 1u
Z
1 √
√ du(x + 1) 2x + 1
(x + 1) 2x + 1u

1 x
Z   
du = ln(u) + c = ln sin−1 +c
u x+1
Due to doman ln function (0, ∞), so we should put sin function in absolute

x
 
ln sin −1
+c
x+1

Problem 1.5:
Evaluate: v s
Z u
ux xrx
· · · dx
t
4 4 4

Solution 1.5:
v s
u
ux xrx
y= ···
t
4 4 4

The function is like a recursive function, meaning it calls itself to infinite times:

x
r
y= y
4

sqaure the two sides:

x x
y2 = y ⇒ y=
4 4

Take the integral:

Z
x 1Z 1 1 1
dx = x dx = × x2 = x2 + c
4 4 4 2 8
 7

Problem 2.1:
Assume a linear mass formation of total mass 5 × 1019 kg shaped as a uniform
semi-circle with radius 5 units. Find the gravitational potential at point D. past..
gravitational potential integral is

Z
dm
V = G
R

Solution 2.1:

Problem 2.2:
In the movie Cars 3, we see lightning McQueen’s left rear tire blowing out, leading
to him losing control over himself. This is mainly caused by the gradual wearing
out of his wheels, due to the consistently high friction force they are exposed to. In
the case of McQueen’s, his tires smooth out as he exposes them more to friction,
leading to constant changing of the coefficient of friction between the tires and the
ground. If you know that the fraction (i) of the wheel that has worn out and the
coefficient of friction (µ) are expressed in terms of distance traveled (s) in meters
through the following formulae

i = 5.5(1 − µ − e−0.1s )

µ = 3.4e−0.1s

Neglecting the inclination of the lap, suppose that McQueen’s mass is 900kg,
Find the minimum work done by lightning McQueen to constantly counteract the
friction force before his tire blows out and he loses control over himself again.

This was Ahmed Amir’s mentors application question

 8

Solution 2.2:
The friction force F equals the coefficient of friction multiply the normal force:

F = µN

Normal force euqals mg, since the inclination is neglected

F = µmg ⇒ F = 8829µ

The coefficient of friction as a function of distance:

µ(s) = 3.4e−0.1s

The tire blows out when the fraction reaches 1 (fully worn out), so solve the euqation of
fraction:
1 = 5.5(1 − µ − e−0.1s )

Subtitue the µ = 3.4e−0.1s :

1 = 5.5(1 − 3.4e−0.1s − e−0.1s )

1 = 5.5(1 − 4.4e−0.1s )
1
= 1 − 4.4e−0.1s
5.5
1 4.5
4.4e−0.1s = 1 − =
5.5 5.5
4.5
e−0.1s = = 0.186
5.5 × 4.4
Take the ln to the both sides:

−0.1s = ln(0.186) = −1.68 ⇒ s = 16.8

Z 16.8 Z 16.8 Z 16.8

W = F ds = 8829µ ds = 8829 µ ds
0 0 0
Z 16.8 Z 16.8
W = 8829 3.4e−0.1s ds = (8829 × 3.4) e−0.1s ds
0 0
 9

1 Z 16.8
W = (8829 × 3.4 × ) −0.1e−0.1s ds
−0.1 0
1
 16.8 h i16.8
W = 8829 × 3.4 × × e−0.1s = −300186 × e−0.1s
−0.1 0 0

W = −300186 × e−0.1×16.8 + 300186 × e0

W = −300186 × 0.186 + 300186 = 244351J

Problem 2.3:
A car follows the path of x2 from x = 0 to x = 10. A parachute is de-
ployed behind the car to slow it down. The parachute exerts a constant force
of 900N behind the car. Find the work done by the parachute from x = 0 to x = 10.

you should all know it but... as a reminder

Z
W = F · ds

Solution 2.3:
The direction of applied force is opposite to the direction of motion which is tanget due
to the curve of path:
F = −900⃗t

The position vector is given by the function y = x2 :

r(x) = x⃗i + x2⃗(j)

The displacement:
ds = dr = dx⃗i + 2xdx⃗j
q q √
|ds| = dx2 + (2xdx)2 = dx2 (1 + 4x2 ) = dx 1 + 4x2
 10

The unit tanget vector:

⃗t = ds = dxi√+ 2xdxj = √i + 2xj

⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ⃗
|ds| dx 1 + 4x2 1 + 4x2

⃗i + 2x⃗j
F = −900⃗t = −900 √
1 + 4x2
⃗i + 2x⃗j
dW = F.ds = −900 √ .(⃗i + 2x⃗j)
1 + 4x2
Calculate the dot product of two vecors ⃗i + 2x⃗j and ⃗i + 2x⃗j:
√
1 + 4x2 1 + 4x2 √
dW = −900 √ . √ = −900 1 + 4x2
1 + 4x2 1 + 4x2
Z 10 √ Z 10 √
W = −900 1 + 4x2 = −900 1 + 4x2
0 0
Z 10 √
1 + 4x2 dx
0

By Subtituing 2x = tan(θ), and dx = 12 sec2 (θ)

Z q
1
1 + tan2 (θ) sec2 (θ) dθ
2

Subtitue 1 + tan2 (θ) = sec2 (θ) (trig identitie)

Z q
1
sec2 (θ) sec2 (θ) dθ
2
Z
1 1Z
sec3 (θ) dθ = sec3 (θ)
2 2
sec3 (θ) is standard integral equals 1
2
(sec(θ)tan(θ) + ln(|sec(θ) + tan(θ)|)):

1Z 1
sec3 (θ) = (sec(θ)tan(θ) + ln (|sec(θ) + tan(θ)|)) + c
2 4
√
θ = arctan(2x), and tan(arctan(2x)) = 2x, sec(arctan(2x)) = 1 + 4x2 :

Z 10 √
1 √ √ 10
 
1+ 4x2 = 2x 1 + 4x + ln 2x + 1 + 4x
2 2
0 4 0
 11

At x = 10:
1 √  √ 
20 401 + ln 20 + 401 = 101.047
4
At x = 0:
1
(0 + ln (|1|)) = 0
4
Final Work:

Z 10 √
W = −900 1 + 4x2 = −900 · 101.047 = −90942.3J
0

Problem 2.4:
A solid sphere with negligible weight of radius r = 5 m is to be submerged in a fluid.
The fluid has a non-uniform density that increases linearly with depth according to

ρ(d) = 3d,

where d (in meters) is the vertical distance measured downward from the fluid’s
surface.

Determine the total work required to push the sphere from being completely above
the fluid to a position where it is fully submerged, with its topmost point just level
with the fluid’s surface.

Solution 2.4:
Work done resulted from push the water in water, Buoyant force causes this work:

W = Fb · s

Fb = ρvg
 12

The density is changed with depth so we will take the average density from 0 to 10, where
the change in depth during sinking the sphere will be 10 (the diameter):

#10
1 Z 10 3 d2
"
ρaverage = 3d dd =
10 0 10 2 0

3
ρaverage = × 50 = 15kg/m3
10
4 4 500
V = πr3 = × π × 53 = π
3 3 3
500
Fb = 15 × π × 9.8 = 24543.6
3
The displacement will be 10 since the center moves from +5 to -5:

W = Fb s = 24543.6 × 10 = 245436J

Problem 2.5:
Calculate the height of the center of mass of a rotation of f (x) = x2 around the
y-axis between x = 0 and x = 10. Assuming it is solid from the inside and its mass
is uniformly distributed where ρ = 10 kg/m3 . 1 unit in the x or y axis is assumed
to be 1 meter

Solution 2.5:
 13

Problem 3.1:
Before leaving Rivendell on his risk journey, Frodo Baggins was gifted the Elven
shortsword, Sting. Aware of the dangers ahead, Frodo wanted to understand the
blade’s remarkable quality and asked the Elven smiths for their help. They devised
an experiment, securely clamping the sword’s hilt and applying a tensile force of
F = 1 × 105 N along its length.

The blade’s original dimensions are measured to be:

• Length (L0 ): 0.6 m

• Width (w0 ): 4 cm

• Thickness (t0 ): 0.3 cm

Using their keen eyes and fine instruments, the smiths measure that under this load,
the blade’s width narrows by a minuscule 0.01 mm. It is known from Elven lore
that the steel of such blades has a Poisson’s Ratio of ν = 0.25.

Calculate the Young’s Modulus (E) for the material of the sword.

Solution 3.1:
Calculate the Cross-Sectional area which is rectangle:

A = w0 × t0 = 0.04 × 0.003 = 0.00012m2

Calculate the axial stress:

F 105
σ= = = 8.3 × 108
A 0.00012

Calculate lateral strain:

∆w −1 × 10−5
ϵlateral = = = −2.5 × 10−4
w 0.04
 14

Calculate axial strain:

ϵlateral −2.5 × 10−4

ϵaxial = − = = 10−3
ν 0.25

Calculate Youngus Modulus:

σ 8.3 × 108
E= = = 8.3 × 1011 P a
ϵaxial 10−3
 15

Problem 3.2:
Mohab and Smulgum are locked in a heated debate, this time regarding the quickest
way to get oasis cola from a cup using a straw. Smulgum insists that direct suction
is the fastest, while Mohab argues that blowing air across the top of the straw,
leveraging the Bernoulli effect, provides a quicker initial flow. You, the esteemed
cooked member of the Physics Club, must determine which method promises a
faster initial flow velocity of the tea into the straw.

Consider a standard straw of inner diameter d = 5 mm placed vertically into a wide

cup of bubble tea. The liquid can be approximated as water (ρwater = 1000 kg/m3 ).
The top of the straw is 10 cm above the liquid surface in the cup. Atmospheric pres-
sure is Patm = 101325 Pa, and g = 9.81 m/s2 . The air density is ρair = 1.225 kg/m3 .
Assume the liquid level in the cup remains constant during the initial flow.

1. Direct Suction: Smulgum, in the first attempt, seals his mouth around the
straw and creates an absolute pressure of Pmouth = 90000 Pa inside the top of
the straw. Calculate the initial velocity (vA ) at which the oasis cola begins to
rise into the straw.

2. Blowing Across: In second second attempt, Mohab blows air horizontally

across the top opening of the straw at a uniform velocity of vair = 25 m/s.
Assuming the air inside the straw remains stagnant until the liquid rises,
calculate the initial velocity (vB ) at which the oasis cola begins to rise into
the straw.

3. The Verdict: Based on your calculations, which method, direct suction or

blowing across the top, provides a faster initial flow of the bubble tea into the
straw? Justify your answer quantitatively.
 16

Solution 3.2:
Apply Bernoulli equation due to change in energy (kinetic, potential):

1 1
P1 + ρv12 + ρgh1 = P2 + ρv22 + ρgh2
2 2

v1 is 0 due to starting form constant, P1 = patm , P2 = Pmouth , h1 = 0 (start of reference

level), and h2 = 0.1
1
Patm = Pmouth + ρwater v22 + ρwater gh
2
1
ρwater v22 = Patm − Pmouth − ρwater gh
2
Patm − Pmouth − ρwater gh
v22 = 1
ρ
2 water

2(Patm − Pmouth − ρwater gh)

s
v2 =
ρwater
s
2(101325 − 90000 − 1000 × 9.8 × 0.1)
v2 =
1000
√
v2 = 20.688 = 4.55m/s → Direct Suction

in Bernoulli equation for air, we neglect the potential energy term because it is much
smaller than kinetic energy term so it can be neglected

1 1
Pstraw + ρair vstraw
2
= Patm + ρair vair
2
2 2

vstraw will be 0 which is the constant air inside the straw, and we will consider Pstraw
positive, so kinetic energy in second side will be negative due to changing the direction:

1 1
Pstraw = Patm − ρair vair
2
⇒ Patm − Pstraw = ρair vair
2
2 2

Bernoulli equation for liquid:

1
Patm = Pstraw + ρwater v22 + ρwater gh
2
 17

Subtitue pressure of straw with Patm − 21 ρair vair

2

1 1
Patm = Patm − ρair vair
2
+ ρwater v22 + ρwater gh
2 2

1 1
2
ρair vair = ρwater v22 + ρwater gh
2 2
1 1
ρwater v22 = ρair vair
2
− ρwater gh
2 2
1
ρ v 2 − ρwater gh
2 air air
v22 = 1
ρ
2 water
v
u1 2
u ρair vair − ρwater gh
v2 = t2
1
ρ
2 water
v
× 1.225 × 252 − 1000 × 9.8 × 0.1
u1
v2 =
u
t2
1
2
× 1000
√
v2 = −1.196375 ⇒ this means that physical impossible

this negative value indicate that blow air with veloctiy 25, it is not enough to ovecome
the hydrostatic pressure

The dircet suction provides faster intial flow 4.55 m/s

Problem 3.3:
A steel sheet with a thickness of 1 mm and a density of 7850 kg/m3 was used
to make a hollow sphere. The sphere was then placed in water (density = 1000
kg/m3 ), and it was observed that exactly half of the sphere was submerged. What
is the outer radius of the sphere?
 18

Solution 3.3:
The thickness of steel is the difference between outer radius R and inner radius r:

t = R − r ⇒ r = R − 0.001

The volume of sphere is the difference between the two volumes (outer, and inner):

4 4 4
V = πR3 − πr3 = π(R3 − r3 )
3 3 3

The mass of sphere:

4
m = ρV = 7850 × π(R3 − r3 )
3
Archimedes’ Principle:

W eight of object = ρwater Vsubmerged g

4 1 4
7850 × π(R3 − r3 ) × 9.8 = 1000 × × π(R3 − r3 ) × 9.8
3 2 3
multiply by 3
2×9.8×π

7850 × 2(R3 − r3 ) = 1000R3

15700(R3 − r3 ) = 1000R3

15700R3 − 15700r3 = 1000R3

14700R3 = 15700r3
r3 14700
=
R 3 15700
Take cubic root to both sides:

r
= 0.978 ⇒ r = 0.978R
R

Subtitue in this equation r = R − 0.001 with r = 0.978R

0.978R = R − 0.001 ⇒ 0.022R = 0.001

 19

0.001
R= = 0.0455m = 4.55cm
0.022

Problem 3.4:
A wooden cube of side 10 cm floats in water. If the density of wood is 600kg/m3
and water is 1000kg/m3 , what fraction of the cube is submerged?

Solution 3.4:
Calculate the volume of cube;

V = (0.1)3 = 0.001m3

Calculate the mass:

m = ρV = 600 × 0.001 = 0.6kg

Because of floating of cube weight of cube equals the Buoyant force:

mg = ρwater Vsubmerged g

0.6 × 9.8 = 9.8 × 1000Vsubmerged

0.6
Vsubmerged = = 0.0006m3
1000
volume of submerged 0.0006
F raction submerged = = = 0.6
volume of cube 0.001
 20

Problem 3.5:
A fluid flows steadily through a horizontal pipe where the cross-sectional area varies
with distance x as:

A(x) = A0 (1 + αx)

At the starting point x = 0, the fluid has speed v0 and pressure P0 . Assume
the fluid is incompressible and inviscid (ideal), and gravity is negligible (horizontal
pipe). Find an expression for the velocity of the fluid as a function of time.

Solution 3.5:
At starting x = 0, and velocity = v0 , so get the volume flow rate which is constant along
the pipe:
Q = Av = A0 (1 + α × 0)v0 = A0 v0
Q A0 v0 A0 v0 v0
v(x) = = = =
A A(x) A0 (1 + αx) 1 + αx
Since the pipe is horizontal, so the change will be in kinetic energy (Bernoulli equation):

1 1
P0 + ρv02 = P (x) + ρv(x)2
2 2

1 1
P (x) = P0 + ρv02 − ρv(x)2
2 2
Subtitue v(x) = v0
1+αx
:
1 1
2
v0

P (x) = P0 + ρv02 − ρ
2 2 1 + αx
Take 21 ρv02 as common factor:

1 1
!
P0 + ρv02 1 −
2 (1 + αx)2
 21

We want to find the x equation relative to time:

dx v0
v(x) = =
dt 1 + αx

1 + αx dx = v0 dt

Take the integral to both sides:

Z Z
1 + αx dx = v0 dt

α 2
x+ x = v0 t
2
α 2
x + x − v0 t = 0
2
√
−1 ± 1 + 2αv0 t
x=
α
Since x is positive, so take the positive root:
√
−1 + 1 + 2αv0 t
x(t) =
α
v0 v0 v0
v(t) = = √  = √
1 + αx(t) 1 + 2αv0 t

1 + α −1+ 1+2αv
α
0t

v0
v(t) = √
1 + 2αv0 t
 22

Problem 4.1:
In an antique shop, two large pendulum clocks with identical minute hand lengths
of 50 cm rest in the corner. One day, a curious and clever kid walks in and notices
something odd: the clocks are not synchronized, and one seems to tick slightly
faster than the other. Intrigued, the kid decides to investigate.

He carefully measures the physical properties of each clock’s pendulum:

• Clock A: Pendulum length = 1.20 m, pendulum bob mass = 2.0 kg

• Clock B: Pendulum length = 1.00 m, pendulum bob mass = 2.5 kg

Assuming each clock is designed such that the period of its pendulum corresponds
to one minute (i.e., 60 seconds on the clock), use the physics of simple pendulums
to:

• Determine the actual period of each pendulum.

• Calculate the percentage by which the minute hand in Clock B runs faster
than that in Clock A.

Express your final answer as a percentage speed difference

Assume both pendulums undergo small oscillations and behave as ideal simple pen-
dulums.

Solution 4.1:
The period (T): s
l
T = 2π
g
s
1.2
TA = 2π = 2.2s
9.81
s
1
TB = 2π = 2.01s
9.81
 23

Speed is iverse propotional to T:

1 1
SA = = = 0.4545
TA 2.2

1 1
SB = = = 0.4975
TB 2.01
SB − SA
Difference = × 100%
SA
0.4975 − 0.4545
Difference = × 100% = 9.46%
0.4545
 24

Problem 4.2:
After returning from the antique shop, the kid was amazed but quite tired. While
putting away his clothes, he picked up a standard triangular coat hanger made of
uniform metal rods. Being a kid once again, he balanced the coat hanger at its
hook (the top vertex of the triangle) on his finger and gently displaced the rest
of the hanger sideways. He then released it, allowing it to oscillate in the vertical
plane like a physical pendulum.

Assume the coat hanger forms an isosceles triangle composed of three uniform rods:
two equal slanted sides and a base. The hanger is held stationary at the top vertex
(the hook), and the rest swings freely under gravity.

Given the following parameters:

• Mass of the hanger: M = 0.300 kg

• Length of each slanted rod (equal sides): L = 0.40 m

• Length of the base rod: b = 0.42 m

• Distance from pivot (the top vertex) to the center of mass: d = 0.27 m

• Gravitational acceleration: g = 9.8 m/s2

and assuming the triangular frame is rigid and oscillates with small angular ampli-
tude, calculate the period of small-angle oscillations.

Assume the moment of inertia of the triangular frame about the top vertex is
approximately:

5M L2 M b2
I= −
9 18
 25

Solution 4.2:

Problem 4.3:
A block of mass m = 5 kg is attached to a spring with a spring constant k = 3 N/m.
The block is initially displaced by x0 = 5 cm from the equilibrium position and then
released from rest. Assuming the surface is frictionless and the system undergoes
simple harmonic motion, calculate the speed of the block when it is at a position
x = 2 cm from equilibrium.

Solution 4.3:
The total energy is kinetic due to its motion( K) and elastic potential energy (U). By the
way there is not change in potential because there is no change in height

Etotal = U + K

Firstly K = 0 because it starts from rest:

1 1
Etotal = U = kx2 = × 3 × (0.05)2 = 0.00375J
2 2

At x = 0.02m, the total energy will be the sum of U and K:

1 1
Etotal = U + K = kx2 + mv 2
2 2

1 1
0.00375 = × 3 × (0.02)2 + × 5 × v 2
2 2
0.00375 = 0.0006 + 2.5 × v 2

2.5 × v 2 = 0.00375 − 0.0006 = 0.00315

0.00315 √
v2 = ⇒ v= 0.00126 = 0.0355m/s
2.5
 26

Problem 4.4:
If a spring of constant k = 2 connected to a block of mass = 100 gram is compressed
to 2 meters from the equilibrium on a rough surface it stretches to 1 meter from
the equilibrium and then returns back. Find the coefficient of friction between the
block and the surface (g=10)

Solution 4.4:
The elastic potential energy at x = 2:

1 1
U1 = kx2 = × 2 × 22 = 4J
2 2

The elastic potential energy at x = 1:

1 1
U2 = kx2 = × 2 × 12 = 1J
2 2

The distance will be 5 because it is pushed to +2 and stretched to -1 and returns back to
+1
The non-conservative work due to friction:

W = F.d = µmg × 5 = µ0.1 × 10 × 5 = 5µ

Intial elastic potential energy is converted to final elastic potential energy and word done
due to friction:
U1 = U2 + W
4−1
4 = 1 + 5µ ⇒ µ = = 0.6
5
 27

Problem 4.5:
A block is attached to a spring, exhibiting simple harmonic motion with a time
period of T = 1s. If the block’s velocity is half that of its acceleration at x = 1m,
what is the amplitude A?

Solution 4.5:
The angular frequency w:
2π 2π
w= = = 2π rad/s
T 1
At x = 1:
x = Asin(wt + ϕ) = 1

since v equal half acceleration:

v = Awcos(wt + ϕ), a = −Aw2 sin(wt + ϕ)

−Aw2 sin(wt + ϕ)
Awcos(wt + ϕ) =
2
2cos(wt + ϕ) = −wsin(wt + ϕ) = −2πsin(wt + ϕ)
−1
2cos(wt + ϕ) = −2πsin(wt + ϕ) ⇒ tan(wt + ϕ) =
π
From tan(θ) = opposite
adjacent
, sin(θ) = opposite
hypotenuse
, and cos(θ) = ajacent
hypotenuse
, we can express that:

−1 π
sin(wt + ϕ) = √ , cos(wt + ϕ) = √
1 + π2 1 + π2

From x = Asin(wt + ϕ) = 1:

√
!
−1
A √ = 1 ⇒ A = − 1 + π2
1 + π2
√
A= 10.87 = 3.3m