Block falls on Spring Work and Speed

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

A block with a mass of 240 grams is dropped onto a vertical spring with a spring constant of 11 N/cm, compressing the spring by 15 cm before momentarily stopping. The gravitational force does 0.3528 J of work on the block, while the work done by the spring force is calculated to be 12.375 J using integration. To find the speed of the block just before impact, the user attempted to apply kinematic equations but struggled due to the unknown height of the drop. The discussion also addresses the scenario where the speed at impact is doubled, affecting the maximum compression of the spring.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force calculations
  • Knowledge of spring mechanics and Hooke's Law
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Basic integration techniques for work calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about energy conservation principles in spring systems
  • Study kinematic equations in detail, particularly for free-fall scenarios
  • Explore the relationship between potential energy and spring compression
  • Investigate the effects of varying mass and spring constants on compression
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of spring systems and energy transfer in mechanical contexts.

BlasterV
Messages
38
Reaction score
0
A block of mass 240 grams is dropped onto a relaxed vertical spring that has a spring constant 11 N/cm as shown on the figure. The block becomes attached to the spring and compresses the spring 15 cm before momentarily stopping.

First Conversions:
240g = .24kg, 11 N/cm = 1100 N/m, 15cm = .15m

While the spring is being compressed, what work is done on the block by the gravitational force on it?

.24kg * 9.8 m/s^2 = 2.352 N
2.352 N * .15m = .3528 J -> This is definitley correct

What work is done on the block by the spring force?

Work done over distance via a function so use integration:

W = 0 to .15m ( 1100N/m x dx ) =
W = 0 to .15m ( 1100N/m x^2/2 )
W = (.15m)^2 / 2 * 1100N/m ) = 12.375 J -> No idea if this is right.


What is the speed of the block just before it hits the spring? (Assume that friction is negligible.)

This is where I have problems, I have NO idea how to find the speed of the block. I don't know how high it falls from, I tried using 9.8m/s^2 as an accel and VF = 0 in vf^2 = vi^2 + 2ad, but no go, can anyone shed light on this part?


If the speed at impact is doubled, what is the maximum compression in the spring?

No idea on this either, I don't know the answer to part 3 is probably why.


Any help on this would be great!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I managed to get part 3 and 4, but the Part 2 with 12.375 J is still wrong, It looks perfect to me, did I miss something?
 
Got it all even though no one helps, thanks anyway lol, someone delete this please?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
11K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
10K