A question about eleastic potential energy

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the elastic potential energy stored in a stretched elastic band released from a height. The problem involves concepts from mechanics, particularly the relationship between potential energy, kinetic energy, and motion under gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of kinematic equations to determine the time of flight and the horizontal velocity of the elastic band. There is an exploration of the relationship between elastic potential energy and kinetic energy, with some questioning the assumptions made regarding initial conditions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the approach taken, while others have pointed out potential errors in calculations. There is an ongoing examination of the assumptions regarding initial velocity and the implications for the calculations involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of significant figures in the calculations and question the handling of variables in the equations used. There is also a mention of the assumption of negligible air resistance affecting the energy transformation.

darksoulzero
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
55
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K