Spring (with mass) kinetic energy -- velocity assumption

In summary, the linear decrease of velocity in a spring, when one end is fixed and the velocity of a particle at a distance x from the fixed end is equal to vx/l, is assumed to hold true because every part of the spring compresses in the same way. This relationship may not be applicable to non-uniform springs, where a different relation between distance and speed might be needed. This is due to the use of spring constant inversely proportional to length and the application of Fnet=0 on an element y from the fixed end. By solving the equation, v=y/l (where v is the velocity of the free end) is obtained, and it is seen that this relationship works even when linear mass density is not considered
  • #1
ELiT.Maxwell
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why we assume that velocity decreases linearly in a spring (i.e. if one end is fixed, then velocity of a particle (of spring) at x from fixed =vx/l where v is the velocity of the free end) and why does it hold good too when the spring (linear mass density) is non uniform...

EDIT: spring has mass..
ref : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effective_mass_(spring–mass_system)
 
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  • #2
If every part of the spring compresses in the same way, that's the result.
Not all springs are uniform - if they are not, you might need a different relation between distance and speed.
 
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Likes ELiT.Maxwell and vanhees71
  • #3
by using spring constant inversely proportional to length and letting a element y from fixed end and Fnet=0 on it so,
K(L/y)x1=K(L/(L-y))x2
where L is the length of spring at any time t, now, y/x1=(L-y)/x2
x1+x2=x these are lim->0 inst changes and x1 = velocity of element and solving eqn , v=y/l(v of free end)

and, since we have not touched linear mass density (only used absolute lengths...) it works
 

Related to Spring (with mass) kinetic energy -- velocity assumption

1. What is spring kinetic energy?

Spring kinetic energy is the energy that a spring possesses when it is either compressed or stretched. It is the energy that is stored within the spring due to its deformation from its natural state.

2. How is mass related to spring kinetic energy?

The mass of an object attached to a spring affects the spring kinetic energy because the more massive the object, the harder it is to accelerate and move with the spring. This means that a heavier object will require more energy to stretch or compress the spring.

3. What is the equation for calculating spring kinetic energy?

The equation for spring kinetic energy is E = 1/2 * k * x^2, where E is the energy, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement of the spring from its natural state. This equation assumes that the spring is ideal and obeys Hooke's Law.

4. Does the velocity of the object affect the spring kinetic energy?

Yes, the velocity of the object does affect the spring kinetic energy. As the object moves with the spring, it gains kinetic energy, which is then stored as potential energy in the spring. The faster the object moves, the more energy it transfers to the spring, resulting in a higher spring kinetic energy.

5. What is the velocity assumption in the calculation of spring kinetic energy?

The velocity assumption in the calculation of spring kinetic energy is that the object attached to the spring is moving at a constant velocity. This means that the energy transferred to the spring is equal to the energy dissipated by the spring's resistance force, resulting in a net change of zero in the object's kinetic energy.

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