A rocket on a spring, related to potential/kinetic energy

In summary, the conversation discusses the forces acting on a rocket clamped to the top of a vertical spring, including the weight force and spring force. It also covers the calculation of the compressed length using the spring force equation, as well as the use of potential and kinetic energy equations to determine the final height of the rocket. The conversation also mentions the need to account for the work done by the rocket and the starting and ending points of the equations.
  • #1
ChetBarkley
10
0
Homework Statement
A 12kg weather rocket generates a thrust of 200N. The rocket, pointing upward, is clamped to the top of a vertical spring. The bottom of the spring, whose spring constant is 550 N/m, is anchored to the ground.
A) Initially, before the engine is ignited, the rocket sits at rest on top of the spring. How much is the spring compressed.
B) After the engine is ignited, what is the rocket's speed when the spring has stretched 40cm?
Relevant Equations
F[sub]spring[\sub] = -k#\delta x#
U = mgy
K = .5mv^2
Part A) So from a force diagram we can see that the only two forces acting in our system are the spring force(positive y axis) and the weight of the rocket(negative y axis), which means the spring force is equal and opposite to the weight force.

The weight is simple enough ##12* 9.8=117.6N##
and then using the spring force equation we get the compressed length to be
##117.6N = -550(\delta x)##
##\delta x = \frac{117.6}{-550} = -0.214##m

Part B) Using the potential and kinetic energy equations and know that energy must be conserved we can use the following equation
##U spring, 0 +K spring,0+U rocket,0+ K rocket,0 = Uspring, 1 +Kspring,1+Urocket,1
+Krocket,1##

From this we know that the K.E. of the rocket and the spring initially, is zero(v=0 and the spring isn't stretched), meaning that the only term on the left side of our equation is the P.E. of the spring. On the right side, the P.E. of the spring finally is zero(spring is not compressed) and so we only have the P.E of the rocket and the K.E. of the spring and the rocket.
##\frac{1}{2}k(-\delta x)^2 = mgyf, rocket + \frac{1}{2} k (\delta x)^2 + \frac{1}{2} m (vf, rocket)^2##

Seeing this I'm not sure how to find the final height of the rocket as I wasn't given a time, nor am I sure where in my problem I could calculate time.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
The initial compression is not negative. The initial extension is.

Your energy equation neglects the work done by the rocket, and you wrongly state there is no final elastic PE.
But you cannot answer it just using energy. What can you do instead?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Are the starting and ending points of my equations from when the engines are ignited to when the rocket is no longer in contact with the spring?
 
  • #4
ChetBarkley said:
Are the starting and ending points of my equations from when the engines are ignited to when the rocket is no longer in contact with the spring?
It says "clamped to the top of a vertical spring".
 

1. What is the relationship between the potential and kinetic energy of a rocket on a spring?

The potential energy of a rocket on a spring is stored in the spring as it is compressed or stretched. When the spring is released, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, causing the rocket to move.

2. How does the mass of the rocket affect its potential and kinetic energy on a spring?

The mass of the rocket affects both the potential and kinetic energy on a spring. A heavier rocket will have more potential energy when the spring is compressed and will also have more kinetic energy when it is released, resulting in a higher velocity.

3. Can the potential energy of a rocket on a spring be greater than its kinetic energy?

Yes, the potential energy of a rocket on a spring can be greater than its kinetic energy. This occurs when the spring is compressed to a greater extent, resulting in a higher potential energy, but the rocket has not yet been released to convert this energy into kinetic energy.

4. How does the spring constant affect the potential and kinetic energy of a rocket on a spring?

The spring constant, which measures the stiffness of the spring, affects the potential and kinetic energy of a rocket on a spring. A higher spring constant will result in a greater potential energy when the spring is compressed and a higher kinetic energy when the rocket is released.

5. Can the potential and kinetic energy of a rocket on a spring be converted back and forth indefinitely?

No, the potential and kinetic energy of a rocket on a spring cannot be converted back and forth indefinitely. Some energy will be lost due to friction and air resistance, resulting in a decrease in the overall energy of the system over time.

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