How Far Will the Spring Compress When Dropping a 5.8 kg Block?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the compression of a vertical spring when a 5.8 kg block is dropped onto it. The spring constant is given as k = 495 N/m. The correct approach involves using the formula for spring compression, where the force exerted by the block (weight) equals the spring force at maximum compression. The correct compression distance is determined to be approximately 0.1148 meters, but the initial calculation was incorrectly derived due to misunderstanding the relationship between force and distance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational force calculations
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law of motion
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review Hooke's Law and its applications in mechanics
  • Study gravitational force calculations for different masses
  • Learn about energy conservation in spring systems
  • Explore dynamic systems involving springs and oscillations
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of spring systems and force interactions.

DStan27
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
A vertical spring with k = 495 N/m is standing on the ground. You are holding a 5.8 kg block just above the spring, not quite touching it.

How far does the spring compress if you let go of the block suddenly?

i thought i could just use k = F/distance

so 495(D) = (5.8)(9.8)

D = .1148 but this is not correct. i take it i am doing something wrong with my acceleration but I'm not sure what. can anyone help me with this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
nevermind i figured it out.
 

Similar threads

Sliding block hits and compresses a spring
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Find elastic energy in the compressed spring.
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
A block of mass m is dropped onto the top of a vertical spring....
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
Problem with when to use Force and Energy. What compresses spring/
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Quadratic equation for maximum compression of a spring
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
How can I determine the instant the block overcomes static friction?
  • · Replies 61 ·
3
Replies
61
Views
4K
How High Does Cheese Rise on a Released Spring?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
How Far Will the Spring Compress in a Frictionless Collision?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How Much Does the Spring Compress When a Man Jumps on a Scale?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K