How is potential energy transferred between masses separated by a spring?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transfer of potential energy between two masses separated by a spring when one mass is released while the other is held still. The focus is on understanding how much of the potential energy stored in the spring is transferred to each mass, considering different configurations and assumptions about energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how much potential energy stored in the spring is transferred to each mass when the spring is released from one mass.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on whether one mass is released while the other remains stationary.
  • A participant restates the question with additional context, specifying that spring 2 is disconnected from mass 2 and inquires about the energy responses of both masses.
  • One participant suggests that none of the energy is transferred to the masses.
  • Another participant argues that while no energy may be transferred to mass 2, the stored energy must go somewhere, implying that mass 1 could be the recipient for conservation of energy.
  • A different participant proposes that spring 2 will dissipate the energy as heat, agreeing with the previous assertion.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the responses received.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether energy is transferred to the masses, with some suggesting no transfer occurs and others proposing that energy must be conserved, leading to various interpretations of where the energy goes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the system's configuration and the behavior of energy during the release of the spring, which remain unresolved.

grabbinghands
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If two different masses, separated by a spring, are pulled apart, and then the spring is instantaneously release from one of the masses, how much of the potential energy that was stored in the spring is transferred to each mass?
 
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Are you saying that one mass is released while the other is held still?
 
After thinking about it some more, I feel I should restate my question. I've attached a picture to make it more clear. Here's the problem: the fixed base on the right is extended a distance x so that all springs are in tension and then spring 2 is disconnected instantaneously from mass 2. I would like to evaluate the responses of mass 1 and mass 2, but am unsure how much, if any, of the stored energy in spring 2 is transferred to mass 2. Thanks.
 

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Interesting. I'd say that none of it is transferred to the masses.
 
I could see no energy being transferred to mass 2, but wouldn't the stored energy of spring 2 have to go somewhere, mass 1 being the likely candidate, for conservation of energy?
 
Spring 2 will dissipate that energy as heat. (I agree with Doc.)
 
Thanks for the responses! Appreciate it.
 

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