Maximum Acceleration of Stacked Blocks on Vertical Spring

In summary, the conversation discusses the forces acting on two blocks connected by a spring and pushed down to oscillate. The question is how to find the maximum acceleration the blocks can obtain while remaining in contact. The force of the spring, gravity, and normal force are all considered, and it is determined that the net force is equal to the normal force minus the force of gravity. When the block loses contact, the normal force becomes zero. Using Newton's second law, an equation can be written to find the magnitude of the normal force.
  • #1
fiziksfun
78
0
An 5 kg block is fastened to the top of a vertical spring (perpendicular to the floor) with a spring constant of 1000 N/m. A 3 kg block sits on top of the 5 kg block.

The springs are pushed down so that they oscillate.

I need help finding the magnitude of the maximum acceleration the blocks can obtain while still remaining in contact. I have no idea where to begin.

Any suggestions!? Help please!
 
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  • #2
HINT: Consider the forces acting on the 3kg block, which force will be zero when the blocks lose contact?
 
  • #3
Ok so when the blocks lose contact, the force of the spring-mass will be equal to the force of gravity on the 3 kg block.

M(3)*a=-2mg, is this correct?
 
  • #4
You've still not answered my first question. What are the forces acting on the top block?
 
Last edited:
  • #5
The forces acting on the block are gravity and the force of the spring, correct? Or friction??
 
  • #6
fiziksfun said:
The forces acting on the block are gravity and the force of the spring, correct?
Correct, but what I was trying to get at is that the force of the spring acts through the normal force exerted on the block. Hence, the net force acting on the block is [itex]N - mg[/itex]. Can you now use this information to write an equation using Newton's second law?
 
  • #7
ma = N - mg

but what is the magnitude of the normal force ??!? kx !?
 
  • #8
fiziksfun said:
ma = N - mg
Correct! And what do you know about the normal force when the block leaves the surface of the 5kg block?
 

1. What is vertical spring physics?

Vertical spring physics involves the study of the behavior and properties of a vertical spring, which is a type of mechanical spring that moves in a vertical direction. It is used to understand the motion and energy of objects attached to the spring, and how they interact with the force of gravity.

2. How does a vertical spring work?

A vertical spring works by storing potential energy when it is compressed or stretched. When released, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, causing the object attached to the spring to move up or down. The spring then oscillates between its compressed and stretched states until it comes to rest due to friction and other external forces.

3. What factors affect the behavior of a vertical spring?

The behavior of a vertical spring is affected by several factors, including the spring constant, the mass of the attached object, the amplitude of the oscillations, and the force of gravity. The spring constant is a measure of the stiffness of the spring, while the mass and amplitude determine the amount of energy stored in the spring. The force of gravity also affects the frequency and speed of the oscillations.

4. What is the difference between a vertical spring and a horizontal spring?

The main difference between a vertical spring and a horizontal spring is the direction in which they move. A vertical spring moves in a vertical direction, while a horizontal spring moves in a horizontal direction. This affects the behavior of the spring, as the direction of the force of gravity and the direction of the oscillations are different.

5. How is vertical spring physics used in real life?

Vertical spring physics has many practical applications in everyday life. It is used in the design of shock absorbers and suspension systems in vehicles, as well as in the construction of buildings and bridges to absorb vibrations. Vertical springs are also used in pogo sticks, trampolines, and other recreational equipment. Additionally, the principles of vertical spring physics are applied in industries such as aerospace and robotics to control the movement and stability of objects.

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