Question

 A block having mass m and charge +Q is connected to an insulating spring having a force constant k. The block lies on a frictionless, insulating, horizontal track, and the system is immersed In a uniform electric field of magnitude E directed as shown in the figure below. The block Is released from rest when the spring Is unstretched (at x = 0). We wish to show that the ensuing motion of the block is simple harmonic.

 (a) Consider the system of the block, the spring, and the electric field. Is this system isolated or nonisolated?

•  isolated

•  nonisolated

 (b) What kinds of potential energy exist within this system? (Select all that apply.)

•  electrical potential energy

•  gravitational potential energy

•  kinetic energy

•  elastic potential energy

 (c) Consider the Instant the block Is released from rest to be the Inltlal configuration of the system. The final configuration Is when the block momentarily comes to rest again. What Is the

 value of x when the block comes to rest momentarily? (Use any variable or symbol stated above as necessary.)

 (d) At some value of x we will call x = Xo, the block has zero net force on it. What analysis model describes the particle in this situation?

•  particle in uniform circular motion

•  particle in equilibrium

•  particle under constant acceleration

 (e) What is the value of xo? (Use any variable or symbol stated above as necessary.)

 (f) Define a new coordinate system x' such that x' = x - x₀. Show that x' satisfies a differential equation for simple harmonic motion. 

 (g) FInd the period of the simple harmonic motion.  

 (h) How does the period depend on the electric field magnitude?

Answer 1