Calculating Maximum Compression Height of Spring: A Scientific Approach

  • Thread starter Thread starter amlev05
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mass Spring
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum compression height of a spring when a 10.0 kg block is dropped onto it. Using the conservation of energy principle, the potential energy of the block is equated to the potential energy stored in the spring at maximum compression. The spring constant is given as 5000 N/m, and the initial height of the block is 17.0 cm. The calculated maximum compression height of the spring is 10.25 cm, indicating that the spring compresses significantly upon impact.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of potential energy (PE) concepts
  • Familiarity with Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Knowledge of energy conservation principles in physics
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of energy conservation equations in mechanics
  • Learn more about Hooke's Law and its applications in real-world scenarios
  • Explore advanced spring dynamics and oscillation theories
  • Investigate the effects of different masses and spring constants on compression height
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding spring mechanics and energy conservation principles.

amlev05
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
A 20-cm-tall spring with spring constant 5000 N/m is placed vertically on the ground. A 10.0 kg
block is held 17.0 cm above the spring. The block is dropped, hits the spring, and compresses
it. What is the height of the spring at the point of maximum compression?

Here is what i did, i am just unsure if what i did is correct.

PE=potential energy
PE of the block initially(PEbi) = PE of the spring final(PEsf) + PE of the block final(PEbf)
PEbi = PEsf + PEbf
mghi = .5kx^2 + mghf
x = sqrt[2(mghi-mghf)/k)
in this case hf is equal to x
plugging in the numbers i got x to equal 10.25cm
where x is the height of the compressed srping
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
As per the forum rules, you need to show us your attempt.
For a start, try to form an equation using energy conservation.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K