h6872
Nov11-04, 01:35 PM
the question is A mass of 3 kg is dropped from a height of 3.26 meters above a vertical spring anchored at its lower end to the floor. If the spring constant is 25 N/cm, how far to the nearest tenth of a cm, is the spring compressed?
alright so the gravitational potential energy is converted to kinetic as it falls which is the converted to elastic as it hits the spring.
mgh = 1/2kx^2
3(9.8)(3.26+x) = 1/2 2500 x^2
x= square root of 2(3)(9.8)(3.26+x)
----------------
2500
which then leaves (i think)
x = square root (3.26+x)
--------
42.5
now here's where i'm stuck... i'm not sure what to do next. :s the answer is supposed to be 28.9 cm though... i would be so grateful if someone would help me!!!
thanks
alright so the gravitational potential energy is converted to kinetic as it falls which is the converted to elastic as it hits the spring.
mgh = 1/2kx^2
3(9.8)(3.26+x) = 1/2 2500 x^2
x= square root of 2(3)(9.8)(3.26+x)
----------------
2500
which then leaves (i think)
x = square root (3.26+x)
--------
42.5
now here's where i'm stuck... i'm not sure what to do next. :s the answer is supposed to be 28.9 cm though... i would be so grateful if someone would help me!!!
thanks