Springs and Masses

the_d

a 0.466 kg mass is attached to a spring with a spring constant 144 N/m so that the mass is allowed to move on a horizontal frictionless surface. The mass is released from rest when the spring is compressed 0.174 m. what is the maximum force on the mass and the maximum acceleration?

i used the eq. Force of the Spring = -(k)(x) to get the force on the mass

whozum

I think all you need is [tex] F = ma = -kx [/tex]

You might also use [tex] W = F*d = mad = -kx^2d/2 [/tex]

the_d

thats what i did to get the force, and i got 25.056 N, i am confused of to how i would get the max acceleration

whozum

You know the force, you know the mass. Find A

the_d

oh yeah, thanx