Energy work calculations (please check over)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around energy work calculations involving a 2-kg block attached to a spring and a 6.0-kg block falling from a height. For the spring problem, the correct maximum elongation is derived using the equation 1/2mv^2 = 1/2kx^2, leading to an elongation of 0.5 m, contrary to the book's 0.05 m. In the second scenario, the potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE) calculations are clarified, with the participant initially calculating 1200J but needing to adjust their approach to find the correct KE after falling 60 m. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using the correct equations and reference points for energy conservation problems. Overall, the calculations highlight common pitfalls in applying energy principles.
blackout85
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A 2-kg block is attached to a horizontal ideal spring with a spring constant of 200N/m. When the spring has its equilibrium length the block is given a speed of 5 m/s. What is the maximum elongation of the spring?

1/2mv= 1/2KX^2
max PE equals starting KE.
then follows
x= v/sqrt k
x=.25 , that is the answer I am getting. But how is the book getting .05m

my second question:
A 6.0kg block is released from rest 80m above the ground. When it has fallen 60m its kinetic energy is:
I got 1200J as my answer
mgh=(6.0*9.81* 60m)=3531.6
PE + KE= (ME + KE)
3531.6 + KE= (6.0*9.81*80m)
KE= 1177.2
is that right
 
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blackout85 said:
A 2-kg block is attached to a horizontal ideal spring with a spring constant of 200N/m. When the spring has its equilibrium length the block is given a speed of 5 m/s. What is the maximum elongation of the spring?

1/2mv= 1/2KX^2
max PE equals starting KE.
then follows
x= v/sqrt k
x=.25 , that is the answer I am getting. But how is the book getting .05m

my second question:
A 6.0kg block is released from rest 80m above the ground. When it has fallen 60m its kinetic energy is:
I got 1200J as my answer
mgh=(6.0*9.81* 60m)=3531.6
PE + KE= (ME + KE)
3531.6 + KE= (6.0*9.81*80m)
KE= 1177.2
is that right
You posted #1 earlier. your method is correct, but your equation and/or math is incorrect.
1/2mv^2 = 1/2kx^2
mv^2 = kx^2
mv^2/k = x^2
2(5)(5)/200 = x^2 = 0.25
x = 0.5 m (I don't know why the book says .05m).

for #2 its
PE_initial + KE_initial = PE_final + KE_final
For simplicity, choose the 60m point as the reference height for PE (PE =0 at this point). There will then be a couple of 0 terms in that equation, and you can easily solve for v, without worrying about the 80 m height at all..
 
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