A spring loaded gun question from my test.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a spring-loaded gun, where a mass is fired vertically after being compressed in a spring. The problem involves concepts of energy transfer, specifically elastic potential energy and gravitational potential energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the elastic potential energy of the spring and the gravitational potential energy of the mass at its maximum height. There is mention of needing to identify the appropriate formulas for energy conversion.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on using energy equations to relate the spring's energy to the height the mass can reach. There are multiple approaches suggested, including direct energy conversion and a kinematics perspective, indicating a productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about which equations to use, and there is a focus on the energy values provided in the problem statement. The discussion reflects a need to clarify assumptions regarding energy conservation in this context.

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A spring loaded gun question from my test. Please Help!

Homework Statement


Suppose a .16kg mass on a spring loaded gun that has been compressed .10 m has elastic potential energy of .85 J. How high above the spring's equilibrium point can the gun fire the mass if the mass is fired straight into the air?


Homework Equations


I am not even sure which equations to use!


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Welcome to PF, Krislynn.
The question is about energy. You are given the energy stored in the spring, so you must look up the formula for that. The spring energy is converted to the kind of energy the mass has when it is at its maximum height. You will need the formula for that kind of energy, too. The energy is entirely converted from one form to another, so you just put an equal sign between the two energy formulas, put in the numbers you know and solve for the height.
 


Thank you so much!
 


Most welcome! I now see you didn't need the spring energy formula because the energy was given. Just E = mgh should solve it.
 


or if you feel like doing it the really clunky and obtuse way (what I did for some reason), .85=(mv^2)/2 solve for v and then its a really easy kinematics problem
 

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