A block with springs and friction

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block of mass 5 kg attached to a spring with a spring constant of 200 N/m, which is resting on a table. The spring stretches by 10 cm due to the weight of the block, and there is a coefficient of static friction of 0.6 between the block and the table. The discussion focuses on calculating the force exerted by the spring and the maximum external force that can be applied while keeping the block at rest.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the force exerted by the spring and the normal force acting on the block. Questions arise regarding the vertical orientation of the spring and the interpretation of the displacement from equilibrium. There is also consideration of how the spring force interacts with gravitational force to determine the normal force.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confidence in the calculations presented, while others seek clarification on the assumptions made regarding the spring's orientation and the forces involved. There is no explicit consensus, but several participants affirm the correctness of the initial calculations based on their understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of a visual representation of the problem, which may affect the interpretation of the setup. The discussion also highlights the importance of correctly identifying the forces acting on the block, particularly in relation to the spring's tension and the gravitational force.

fallen186
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Homework Statement


A block of mass 5kg is attached to a spring with a spring constant, k = 200N/m, and hangs down so that it rests on a table as shown below.(Sorry no picture) This causes the spring to strech by 10 cm from its equilibrium length. Assume the static coefficient of friction between the table and block is 0.6. An external force, F, is applied in the positive x-direction, as shown.

b. calculate the force on the block due to the stretched spring.
d. Calculate maximum force,F, that canbe applied to the block such that the block will continue to remain at rest.

Homework Equations


F=-kx
Ff=\mu*Fn


The Attempt at a Solution


b. F=-kx
F=-200N/m * .1m
F=20N

d.5kg*9.81m/s^2 - 20N = 29.05N
Ff=\mu*Fn
Ff=.6*29.05N
Ff=17.43N
 
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Is it hanging by the spring vertically? and if so I assume the .1m is the displacement from equilibrium position. In which case your answer is seeming correct. the normal determines friction which is W-T (treating spring as a tension force naturally) So your answer should be correct, assuming I understand the question. Do you know if it is wrong or right?
 
Mthees08 said:
Is it hanging by the spring vertically? and if so I assume the .1m is the displacement from equilibrium position. In which case your answer is seeming correct. the normal determines friction which is W-T (treating spring as a tension force naturally) So your answer should be correct, assuming I understand the question. Do you know if it is wrong or right?

The string is vertical and i don't have the answer which is why I'm trying to see if it's right.
 
Your answer, to the best of my knowledge is correct. You properly found the normal and friction is based on the normal. So you are correct
 
I believe this is correct. My only concern that really jumped out at me was that the force due to the spring needed to be subtracted from m*g (force due to gravity) to give a correct value for the normal force.
 

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