Max velocity of blocks after spring pushes them apart

In summary, the problem involves a compressed spring of force constant 3.75 N/m and two blocks of masses 0.25 kg and 0.49 kg on a horizontal surface. The blocks are released simultaneously and the spring pushes them apart. The maximum velocity of each block is to be found for different coefficients of kinetic friction (µk). Assuming the coefficient of static friction is greater than the coefficient of kinetic friction, the positive direction is taken to be to the right.For the 0.250 kg block, the maximum velocity is -0.31 m/s at µk = 0.000. For µk = 0.100, the maximum velocity is not given. At µk = 0.454
  • #1
joedango
9
0

Homework Statement


A light spring of force constant 3.75 N/m is compressed by 8.00 cm and held between a 0.250 kg block on the left and a 0.490 kg block on the right. Both blocks are at rest on a horizontal surface. The blocks are released simultaneously so that the spring tends to push them apart. Find the maximum velocity each block attains if the coefficient of kinetic friction between each block and the surface is the following. In each case, assume that the coefficient of static friction is greater than the coefficient of kinetic friction. Let the positive direction point to the right.

(a) For the 0.250 kg block:
At µk = 0.000, the maximum velocity is _____ m/s
At µk = 0.100, the maximum velocity is _____ m/s
At µk = 0.454, the maximum velocity is _____ m/s

(b) For the 0.490 kg block:
At µk = 0.000, the maximum velocity is _____ m/s
At µk = 0.100, the maximum velocity is _____ m/s
At µk = 0.454, the maximum velocity is _____ m/s

Homework Equations



1/2Kx^2=1/2mv^2+fd

The Attempt at a Solution


For µk = 0.000 and m = 0.250 kg, I get:
1/2(3.75)(0.08^2)=1/2(0.25)v^2 + 0
solving for v i get: v=0.309 and v=-0.31
since the 0.250 kg block is moving to the left the answer should be -0.31 m/s, but the answer is incorrect.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
a)
velocity of mass 0.49 is 0.23 m/s
velocity of mass 0.25 is 3.2 m/s
 
  • #3
how did you obtain those answers? I don't think they're correct.
 

Related to Max velocity of blocks after spring pushes them apart

1. What factors affect the maximum velocity of blocks after being pushed apart by a spring?

The maximum velocity of blocks after being pushed apart by a spring is affected by several factors such as the spring constant, mass of the blocks, and the compression distance of the spring. The stiffer the spring, the greater the maximum velocity, while a heavier mass or a shorter compression distance results in a lower maximum velocity.

2. How can we calculate the maximum velocity of blocks after being pushed apart by a spring?

The maximum velocity of blocks can be calculated using the equation v = √(k/m) * x, where v is the maximum velocity, k is the spring constant, m is the mass of the blocks, and x is the compression distance of the spring.

3. Is the maximum velocity of blocks affected by the direction in which the spring is compressed?

No, the direction in which the spring is compressed does not affect the maximum velocity of blocks. The only factors that affect the maximum velocity are the spring constant, mass of the blocks, and compression distance of the spring.

4. Can the maximum velocity of blocks be greater than the initial velocity of the spring?

Yes, it is possible for the maximum velocity of blocks to be greater than the initial velocity of the spring. This can happen if the spring is compressed to a greater distance or if the mass of the blocks is significantly smaller than the mass of the spring.

5. How does the maximum velocity of blocks change with different spring constants?

The maximum velocity of blocks increases as the spring constant increases. This is because a stiffer spring can store and release more energy, resulting in a higher maximum velocity. However, if the spring constant becomes too large, the blocks may not be able to withstand the force and could break or be damaged.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
840
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
33
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
4K
Back
Top