How High Will a Pebble Go When Shot from a Compressed Spring?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the height a 20.0 g pebble will reach when propelled by a spring compressed 10.0 cm with an average force of 50.0 N. The key principle involved is the conversion of spring potential energy (PE) into gravitational potential energy (PE). Using the formula for spring potential energy, PE = 1/2 k x², and gravitational potential energy, PE = mgh, participants can derive the maximum height the pebble will achieve. The solution involves equating these two forms of energy to find the height.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spring potential energy (PE = 1/2 k x²)
  • Knowledge of gravitational potential energy (PE = mgh)
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Familiarity with units of measurement (N, kg, m)
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate spring constant (k) using the force and compression distance
  • Learn about energy conservation principles in physics
  • Explore the effects of mass on projectile motion
  • Investigate real-world applications of springs in mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding energy transformations in spring systems.

truthisfreedom3
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The question I'm doing for homework that I can't get is...

A spring is compressed 10.0 cm by an average force of 50.0 N. If the spring shoots a 20.0 g pebble straight up into the air, how high will it rise?

It would be sooper awesome if you could help with this!
 
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Where did you get stuck? Show your work to get help. (Hint: Spring PE gets transformed to Gravitational PE.)
 

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