Calculating Potential & Kinetic Energy of Springs & Mass: Help Needed

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a mass mounted between two identical springs. The participants are exploring the potential energy of the springs, the kinetic energy of the mass, and the total energy of the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the potential energy of the springs and the kinetic energy of the mass based on the position of the mass, referred to as z. Some participants seek clarification on the definition of position z and its relation to the extension of the springs.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants asking for further details about the position z and its implications for the spring extensions. There is a focus on clarifying assumptions regarding the setup of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of a visual representation of the problem, and the exact nature of the spring extensions is under question, particularly whether they are the same or different.

Kaizer6
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Hi some help on the following problem would be very useful.

The probem is based around a mass with two horizontal springs attached to it, one on either side.

"A mass m = 1 kg is mounted between two identical springs of K = 100 N/cm"

What is the portential energy of either spring if the mass is in position z? What is the kinetic energy of the mass? and what is the total energy Et"

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards, William.
 
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Kaizer6 said:
Hi some help on the following problem would be very useful.

The probem is based around a mass with two horizontal springs attached to it, one on either side.

"A mass m = 1 kg is mounted between two identical springs of K = 100 N/cm"

What is the portential energy of either spring if the mass is in position z? What is the kinetic energy of the mass? and what is the total energy Et"

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards, William.
What is position z? Can you describe it or post a drawing?

AM
 
Well z is actually equal to the extension of the spring. Other than that there is no drawing.

Regards, William
 
Kaizer6 said:
Well z is actually equal to the extension of the spring. Other than that there is no drawing.

Regards, William
z is the extension of one spring? or both? What is the extension of the other spring if they are not the same.

AM
 

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