Conservation of mechanical energy (help)

AI Thread Summary
To solve the problem of a 0.50 kg object released from a compressed spring on a frictionless incline, the conservation of mechanical energy principle is applied. The potential energy stored in the spring (0.5 * k * x^2) converts into gravitational potential energy (m * g * h) as the object moves up the incline. The height (h) can be related to the distance traveled (d) up the incline using the sine of the incline angle. The correct calculation shows that the distance traveled up the incline is approximately 0.57 meters, indicating that the initial calculation of 0.43 meters was incorrect. Understanding the energy transformation is crucial for accurately solving this type of physics problem.
shorti2406
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
I just can't seem to derive the correct formula for this one.

A spring with k=40.0 N/m is at the base of a frictionless 30 degree inclined plane. A 0.50 kg object is pressed against the spring, compressing in 0.3m from its equilibrium position. The object is then released. If the object is not attached to the spring, how far up the incline does it travel before coming to res and then sliding back down?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I keep getting d=.43, and I am almost positive that is not correct!
 
How are you solving this problem?
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Question about the conservation of mechanical energy
Replies
7
Views
2K
Spring Problem Involving Variables and Constants Only
Replies
3
Views
1K
Time period of SHM & Energy conservation in pulley-spring-block system
Replies
24
Views
3K
A cart collides with a bumper -- Find the final displacements, etc.
Replies
15
Views
2K
Proving that the total mechanical energy is conserved with time
Replies
2
Views
2K
Hooke's Law vs. Conservation of Energy
Replies
5
Views
3K
Question about springs and rotational/translational energy
Replies
4
Views
1K
Percentage energy loss (mechanical energy) problem
Replies
4
Views
2K
Conservation of energy problem: Ball rolling down inclined plane and then through a loop-the-loop
Replies
10
Views
2K
Conservation of energy hard problem.
Replies
8
Views
9K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top