Calculating Total Energy of Block-Spring System

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the total energy of a block-spring system, specifically involving a block of mass 0.05 kg and a spring constant of 5 N/m. The original poster presents different formulas for total energy and seeks confirmation of their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to verify the correct formula for total energy in a block-spring system and presents their calculation. Some participants question the accuracy of the initial calculation and suggest reevaluating the squared term in the energy formula.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the relationships between different energy equations. Clarifications about the definitions of amplitude and maximum displacement are being discussed, but no consensus has been reached regarding the correctness of the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through potential errors in calculations and the definitions of terms used in the energy equations. There is an acknowledgment of the need to square the displacement in the energy formula, which has led to a revised energy value being presented.

trickymax301
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Question: A block of mass .05 kg is pulled .3 m from its equilibrium position and released. The spring constant is 5 N/m

What is the total energy of the block-spring system?

My book says E = K + U or E = (1/2)mv^2 + (1/2)kx^2. My book also says E_total = (1/2)kA(amplitude)^2. Which formula is correct? I've just solved for the E_total equation and I found the answer to be .75 J. Can anyone confirm this answer for me? My work is below...

(1/2)(5)(.3^2) = .75 J

Thanks
 
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How did you get .75J from that? Try again.
 
i lied. .225 J

Thanks for checking for me. I forgot to square the .3
 
With that cleared up.

The 2 relationships you have posted.

[tex]E = K + U = \frac 1 2 m v^2 + \frac 1 2 k x^2[/tex]

and

[tex]E = \frac 1 2 k A^2[/tex]

are the same. The amplitude is defined as when the displacement is at its maximum so A = x. At the point in time when the displacement is at its maximum, the velocity is zero. So in the first relationship, let x=A and v=0.
 

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