Calculating Potential & Kinetic Energy of Springs & Mass: Help Needed

In summary: The position z is the extension of both springs since they are identical. The extension of the other spring would also be z.In summary, the conversation is about a problem involving a mass mounted between two identical springs with a mass of 1 kg and a spring constant of 100 N/cm. The question is about the potential energy of each spring at position z, the kinetic energy of the mass, and the total energy Et. The position z refers to the extension of both springs, which are identical. The extension of the other spring would also be z.
  • #1
Kaizer6
9
0
Hi some help on the following problem would be very useful.

The probem is based around a mass with two horizontal springs attached to it, one on either side.

"A mass m = 1 kg is mounted between two identical springs of K = 100 N/cm"

What is the portential energy of either spring if the mass is in position z? What is the kinetic energy of the mass? and what is the total energy Et"

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards, William.
 
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  • #2
Kaizer6 said:
Hi some help on the following problem would be very useful.

The probem is based around a mass with two horizontal springs attached to it, one on either side.

"A mass m = 1 kg is mounted between two identical springs of K = 100 N/cm"

What is the portential energy of either spring if the mass is in position z? What is the kinetic energy of the mass? and what is the total energy Et"

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards, William.
What is position z? Can you describe it or post a drawing?

AM
 
  • #3
Well z is actually equal to the extension of the spring. Other than that there is no drawing.

Regards, William
 
  • #4
Kaizer6 said:
Well z is actually equal to the extension of the spring. Other than that there is no drawing.

Regards, William
z is the extension of one spring? or both? What is the extension of the other spring if they are not the same.

AM
 

Related to Calculating Potential & Kinetic Energy of Springs & Mass: Help Needed

1. How do you calculate the potential energy of a spring?

The potential energy of a spring can be calculated by using the formula PE = 1/2 * k * x^2, where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position.

2. What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?

The formula for calculating kinetic energy is KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is the velocity of the object.

3. How are potential and kinetic energy related in a spring-mass system?

In a spring-mass system, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the spring is compressed or stretched and the mass is set into motion. This kinetic energy is then converted back into potential energy as the mass reaches its maximum height and the spring returns to its equilibrium position.

4. How does the mass affect the potential and kinetic energy of a spring?

The mass of the object attached to the spring affects both the potential and kinetic energy. As the mass increases, the potential energy also increases, since a heavier object will require more energy to be lifted to a certain height. Similarly, the kinetic energy also increases with mass, as a heavier object will have a greater velocity when released from the spring.

5. Can potential and kinetic energy of a spring be negative?

Technically, potential and kinetic energy can be negative, but in the context of a spring-mass system, they are typically not considered negative. The negative sign in the formula for potential energy (PE = -kx^2) is used to indicate the direction of the force exerted by the spring, but the actual potential energy value is always positive. Similarly, kinetic energy can be negative if the object is moving in the opposite direction of the chosen reference point, but it is typically considered positive in a spring-mass system.

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