Q1. So you can't have an over damped vertical spring-mass system that just comes straight to rest?
Q2. So what you are saying is that both methods give the correct equation it's just that the d will be different in each case?
Thank you for replying.
A. Yes I see, the equilibrium point for the spring is at height d where the spring has no elastic potential energy. At height d, the potential energy for the mass is mgd. At the bottom (height 0, the equilibrium position of the system), the system has no potential...
Homework Statement
When a mass m is placed on the end of a spring in the vertical position, it stretches the spring a distance d. Find the spring constant k.
Homework Equations
Force of a spring = Fs = -ky
Elastic Potential Energy = Us= (1/2)ky^2
Gravitational Potential Energy = Ug =...