Solving 2 Spring Questions: Max Compression and Work Done

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In summary, for Question 1, the problem is to find the maximum compression distance of a spring (dmax) after a ball of mass m is dropped from a height h onto the spring with spring constant k. The equations used to solve for dmax are deltaUgrav+deltaUspring=0 and .5k(dmax)^2=mg(dmax+h). For Question 2, the problem is to find the symbolic value for the work done by a spring on an object with mass m when the object is released onto the spring without any initial velocity. The equation used to solve for the work done is Work= Integral(Fspring) evaluated from initial s to final s. The final answer for the work done is .
  • #1
Sasor
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Question 1:

Homework Statement


You have a spring at height d where it is relaxed.
You drop a ball (mass m) from a height (h) so that it lands on the spring with spring constant k.
What is the max compression of the spring in terms of given variables?
Given-

m
g
k
d
h

Homework Equations


Find
dmax=max compression distance

The Attempt at a Solution


i did-

deltaUgrav+deltaUspring=0

(mg(d-dmax)-mg(d+h))+(.5k(dmax)^2-.5k(d-d))=0

mgd-mgdmax-mgd-mgh+.5k(dmax)^2=0

-mg(dmax)-mg(h)+.5k(dmax)^2=0

.5k(dmax)^2=mg(dmax+h)

Can you solve for dmax or do u have to do quadratic equation?Question 2:

Homework Statement


If you have a spring and an object with mass m
and you put the object on the spring and let go, without giving it any initial velocity, what is the work done by the spring on the object? Answer is symbolic
Given variables-

Fspring with respect to s
m
g
k
s0(= initial length, relaxed length)
sf

Homework Equations



Symbollically, what is the work done?

The Attempt at a Solution



I did it like this-

Work= Integral(Fspring) evaluated from initial s to final s

so

Integral of ks ds= .5ks^2] sf-s0

=.5k(sf)^2-.5k(s0)^2
=.5k(sf-s0)

Is this the right amount of work?
 
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  • #2
It is almost impossible to read what you have written. Calculate the kinetic energy and potential energy the weight has when it hits the spring (take the floor as 0 potential energy so I think you mean the natural length of the spring). Find the work done to compress the spring a distance x and the potential energy at height d- x. Set the total energy at each height equal and solve for x.
 
  • #3
Ok let me change things to be more readable
 

1. How do you calculate the maximum compression of a spring?

The maximum compression of a spring can be calculated using the formula x = -F/k, where x is the maximum compression, F is the force applied to the spring, and k is the spring constant.

2. What is the significance of the spring constant in solving spring questions?

The spring constant is a measure of the stiffness of a spring. It is a constant value that relates the force applied to the spring to the displacement caused by that force. It is an important factor in determining the behavior of a spring and is needed to calculate the maximum compression and work done in a spring system.

3. How do you calculate the work done by a spring?

The work done by a spring can be calculated using the formula W = 1/2kx^2, where W is the work done, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position.

4. What are some real-life applications of solving spring questions?

Solving spring questions has many real-life applications, such as designing and testing springs for various mechanical devices, understanding the behavior of materials under stress, and studying the dynamics of systems such as car suspensions, door hinges, and shock absorbers.

5. Can the spring constant change in a spring system?

Yes, the spring constant can change in a spring system due to factors such as temperature, material properties, and stretching or compressing the spring beyond its elastic limit. In these cases, a different spring constant must be used to accurately calculate the maximum compression and work done by the spring.

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