Calculating Height of a Pebbled Launched by a Catapult

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To calculate the height a pebble reaches when launched by a catapult, one can use either the force of the spring or the principle of conservation of energy. The spring's potential energy, determined by its spring constant and stretch distance, converts into kinetic energy as the pebble is launched. The mass of the pebble and gravitational force must also be considered in the calculations. Both methods can lead to the solution, so identifying the appropriate equations is crucial for solving the problem effectively. Understanding these concepts is key to determining how high the pebble flies.
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Homework Statement


You shoot a 57 g pebble straight up with a catapult whose spring constant is 310 N/m. The catapult is initially stretched by 0.30 m. How high above the starting point does the pebble fly? Ignore air resistance.
_____ m




Homework Equations



?

The Attempt at a Solution



I am totally lost...this incorporates gravity and the spring...and ah...my head hurts...any one help?
 
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There's more than one way to solve this problem. Do you want to use the force of the spring to figure out its acceleration?

Or to use conservation of energy?

Can you think of any equations that might help you?
 

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