Circular motion/spring constant. PLEASE HELP

In summary, a 2.3 kg mass attached to a spring with k = 180 N/m and unstretched length of 17 cm is mounted on a frictionless air table and set into circular motion at 1.6 m/s. The radius of its path is missing, but it can be solved for using the equations F=ma and F=kx.
  • #1
acg7160
11
0

Homework Statement


A 2.3 kg mass is connected to a spring with spring constant k = 180 N/m and unstretched length 17 cm. The pair are mounted on a frictionless air table, with the free end of the spring attached to a frictionless pivot. The mass is set into circular motion at 1.6 m/s .


Homework Equations


F=ma=(mv^2)/r F=kx ...not really sure


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know how to even start it :(
 
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  • #2
What do you need to get in the first place?
 
  • #3
oh sorry! the radius of its path.
 
  • #4
acg7160 said:
oh sorry! the radius of its path.

well you were not given the extension so you are missing some information. You were correct in equation mv2/r to kx.
 
  • #5
That's all I was given...
 

1. What is circular motion?

Circular motion is the movement of an object along a circular path. This type of motion is characterized by a constant speed and a continuously changing direction, as the object moves around the center point of the circle.

2. How is circular motion related to spring constant?

Circular motion and spring constant are related through Hooke's Law, which states that the force applied to a spring is directly proportional to the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position. In circular motion, the spring constant is used to calculate the centripetal force needed to keep an object moving in a circular path.

3. What is the significance of the spring constant?

The spring constant is a measure of the stiffness of a spring and is an important factor in determining the behavior of a spring. It is used in various equations and calculations related to the force and displacement of a spring.

4. How do you calculate the spring constant?

The spring constant can be calculated by dividing the applied force by the displacement of the spring. It can also be determined experimentally by plotting the force vs. displacement data and finding the slope of the resulting line.

5. How does the spring constant affect the motion of an object?

The spring constant affects the motion of an object by determining the amount of force required to displace the spring and the resulting acceleration of the object. A higher spring constant means a stiffer spring, which requires more force to cause a given amount of displacement.

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