Question

Astronauts in space cannot weigh themselves by standing on a bathroom scale. Instead, they determine their mass using simple harmonic motion. This astronaut has collected the data displayed in the position vs. time graph below 0.0 02 04 0.6 4.0 Timel s) If we model his motion as a simple mass on a spring, and the spring constant is 1650 N/m, what is the body mass of the astronaut?

Please answer all parts. Thanks.

Answer 1

Time taken for one oscillation is equal to period of oscillation From the graph, T-1.1s Thus, the frequency f =-=-= 0.909 Hz T 1.1s Now, use the frequency equation, 1 1650 N/m m 0.909 Hz- 2T Solve for m m= 50.57 kg 50.6 kg Note: If round off result to 2 significantg digits, m - 51 kg