A question about eleastic potential energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the elastic potential energy of a stretched elastic band released from a height of 95 cm, which lands 3.7 m away. The time of flight is determined using the equation for vertical motion, resulting in approximately 0.4403 seconds. The horizontal velocity is then calculated by dividing the horizontal displacement by the time of flight. It is assumed that all elastic potential energy converts to kinetic energy, leading to a calculated energy of approximately 19.42 J. The conversation highlights the importance of ensuring accurate calculations and rounding to significant figures.
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Homework Statement



A stretched elastic band of mass 0.55 g is released so that its initial velocity is horizontal, and its initial position is 95 cm above the floor. What was the elastic potential energy stored in the stretched band if, when it lands, it has a horizontal displacement of 3.7 m from the initial position under negligible air resistance?


Homework Equations


dy=v1yt+.5ayt2
Ee=.5kx2
Ek=.5mv2

The Attempt at a Solution



Since I knew that it would take the same amount of time for the elastic band to fall to cover the range I used the equation dy=V1yt+ 0.5ay(t)2 and rearranged it in terms of t. I got 0.4403 s. I then found vx by dividing 3.7m by 0.4403s. Since air resistance is negligible I assumed that all of the elastic potential energy, Ee, would equal the kinetic energy. I then used the equation Ek=.5mv2 and determined the Ee to be 19.41818421 J.
 
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I didn't recheck your numbers, but how you went about solving it is correct. (I assumed you solved for t when dy = 0.95m)
 
Your equations are very good, but your math is off by several decimal points. Then be sure to round it off to 2 significant figures.
 
dy=V1yt+ 0.5ay(t)2 and rearranged it in terms of t. I got 0.4403 s.

how do you come to 0.4403 s. if there are two unknown variables (v1 and t)?
 
nevermind I'm an idiot v1 = 0
 
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