Calculating Elastic Potential Energy in a Vertical Spring System

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the elastic potential energy in a vertical spring system with a 1.60 kg object and a spring constant of 48.0 N/m. The object is pulled 0.200 m downward from its equilibrium position. The elastic potential energy is determined using the formula PE = 1/2 KX^2, where X is the distance the spring is stretched from its original position. Participants clarify that X is the distance from the equilibrium position, which is crucial for accurate calculations of elastic potential energy at various heights.

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  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Familiarity with the concepts of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
  • Basic knowledge of mechanical energy conservation
  • Ability to perform calculations involving quadratic equations
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1.60 kg object is hanging from the end of a vertical spring. The spring constant is 48.0 N/m. The object is pulled 0.200 m downward and released from rest. Complete the table below by calculating the translational kinetic energy, the gravitational potential energy, the elastic potential energy, and the total mechanical energy E for each of the vertical positions indicated. The vertical positions h indicate distances above the point of release, where h = 0.

h (m)
0.0
0.200
0.400


ok..i got no problem with the translational kinetic energy, the gravitational potential energy and the total mechanical energy E...but I am confused about the elastic potential energy...i know its PE= 1/2KX^2
but how can i find X
 
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x would be the distance from the equiblrium position.
 
X = the distance the mass stretches the spring from the springs original position (no mass pulling on it)
 

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