A mass of 100g stretches a spring 5 cm. if the mass is set in motion from it's equilibrium position with a downward velocity of 10 cm/s and if there is no damping, determine the position u of the mass at any time t. When does the mass first return to it's equilibrium position?

I have no idea how to set this up, I'm so lost. How do I set up the mu" + ku = f(t) [m is mass and k is spring constant]? Also I don't understand what the initial conditions are?

Question

A mass of 100g stretches a spring 5 cm. if the mass is set in motion from it's equilibrium position with a downward velocity of 10 cm/s and if there is no damping, determine the position u of the mass at any time t. When does the mass first return to it's equilibrium position?

I have no idea how to set this up, I'm so lost. How do I set up the mu" + ku = f(t) [m is mass and k is spring constant]? Also I don't understand what the initial conditions are?

mattyboyy · Answer

@dan815 @sleepyjess