Conservation of energy of a spring problem

In summary, a 1.20-kg piece of cheese is placed on a vertical spring with force constant 1800 N/m that is compressed 15.0 cm. The question is how high the cheese will rise when the spring is released. The solution involves using the conservation of energy equation and measuring the final height from the initial compressed position. The distance by which the spring is compressed should be included in the calculation of gravitational potential energy.
  • #1
Amar.alchemy
79
0

Homework Statement


A 1.20-kg piece of cheese is placed on a vertical spring of negligible mass and force constant k = 1800 N/m that is compressed 15.0 cm. When the spring is released, how high does the cheese rise from this initial position? (The cheese and the spring
are not attached.)

Homework Equations


Conservation of Energy equation.

The Attempt at a Solution


Actually what i want to know is, while calculating the gravitational potential energy, should i include 15.0 cm(ie distance by which spring is compressed) or should i start from the point from where it leaves the spring?? kindly clarify.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The initial position is the compressed position--measure changes in gravitational PE from that lowest point. (Measure the final height from that point as well.)
 
  • #3
Thanks Doc :-)
 

1. What is the conservation of energy principle?

The conservation of energy principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be transformed from one form to another. This means that the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant over time.

2. How does this principle apply to a spring?

In the case of a spring, the conservation of energy principle states that the total amount of energy in the spring remains constant as the spring is compressed or stretched. This means that the potential energy stored in the spring is converted into kinetic energy as the spring moves and vice versa.

3. How is the energy of a spring calculated?

The energy of a spring can be calculated using the formula E = 1/2kx², where E is the energy, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position. This formula applies to both potential and kinetic energy.

4. Can the energy of a spring be lost?

No, according to the conservation of energy principle, the energy of a spring cannot be lost. However, some energy may be lost due to external factors such as friction or air resistance, which can affect the movement of the spring and cause some energy to be dissipated.

5. How does the conservation of energy principle affect the behavior of a spring?

The conservation of energy principle dictates that the energy of a spring must remain constant, which means that any change in the potential energy of the spring must be accompanied by an equal and opposite change in the kinetic energy. This results in the spring oscillating back and forth between potential and kinetic energy, leading to its characteristic behavior.

Similar threads

How High Does Cheese Rise on a Released Spring?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
674
Spring Problem Involving Variables and Constants Only
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
368
Problem with when to use Force and Energy. What compresses spring/
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
449
Time period of SHM & Energy conservation in pulley-spring-block system
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
24
Views
1K
Spring with mass hangs from the ceiling
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
480
Find elastic energy in the compressed spring.
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
1K
A rocket on a spring, related to potential/kinetic energy
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Calculating the spring force constant K
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
349
Pan suspended by a spring (Energy + SHM)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
Why can we move the spring with constant speed when we apply a force?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
29
Views
923

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top