Concept question, coil spring and energy.

In summary, a concept question is a type of question that assesses a person's understanding of a concept rather than just recalling information. A coil spring works by storing and releasing energy through compression and extension. The relationship between a coil spring and energy is that the spring can store and release potential energy. Energy transfers in a coil spring through work, and the amount of energy stored is affected by factors such as material, thickness, number of coils, and applied force, as well as external factors like temperature and friction.
  • #1
balletgirl
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Homework Statement



A coil spring of mass m rests upright on a table. If you compress the spring by pressing down with your hand and then release it, can the spring actually leave the table? Explain, using the law of conservation of energy.
 
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  • #2
Well before we help you through this problem we need to know if you have a working understanding of conservation of energy and the laws that go with it. You should try just stab at the question, then we can go from there.
 
  • #3


Homework Solution

Yes, the spring can leave the table. This is due to the law of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one form to another. In this case, when you compress the spring, you are giving it potential energy, which is stored in the spring as it is stretched. When you release the spring, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the spring bounces back to its original shape. If the spring is compressed enough, the kinetic energy it gains can be greater than the potential energy it had at rest, allowing it to leave the table. This is similar to how a ball can bounce higher than its original drop height due to the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy.
 

1. What is a concept question?

A concept question is a type of question designed to assess a person's understanding of a particular concept or idea. It typically requires the person to demonstrate their knowledge and comprehension rather than just recalling information.

2. How does a coil spring work?

A coil spring works by storing and releasing energy as it is compressed and extended. When a force is applied to the spring, it compresses and stores potential energy. As the force is released, the spring expands and releases the stored energy.

3. What is the relationship between a coil spring and energy?

The relationship between a coil spring and energy is that the spring can store and release potential energy. The amount of energy stored in the spring is directly related to the amount of force applied to it and the distance it is compressed or extended.

4. How does energy transfer in a coil spring?

Energy transfers in a coil spring through the process of work. When a force is applied to the spring, work is done to compress or extend it, which transfers energy to the spring. As the spring releases the stored energy, it does work to transfer that energy to an object or system.

5. What factors affect the amount of energy stored in a coil spring?

The amount of energy stored in a coil spring is affected by several factors, including the material and thickness of the spring, the number of coils, and the amount of force applied. The amount of energy stored can also be affected by external factors such as temperature and friction.

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