The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a block of mass m, a spring, and projectile motion. Participants explore the relationships between potential energy, kinetic energy, and the equations governing motion as the block is released from a compressed spring and falls to the ground.
The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on each other's reasoning and calculations. Some participants express uncertainty about the relationships being established, while others suggest alternative approaches to clarify the problem. There is no explicit consensus, but guidance is being offered regarding the use of kinematic relationships and energy conservation.
Participants are navigating the complexities of the problem, including the effects of the spring force and the nature of the block's motion. There are mentions of constraints such as the assumption of constant acceleration in horizontal motion and the need to clarify the role of varying forces.
Yes, while the block is in parabolic motion the horizontal velocity remains constant throughout its path. I think I understood! Thank you.haruspex said:Why "but"?
Yes, for part b we only need to consider motion after the block leaves the table, and in that phase vertical acceleration is constant, g, and horizontal acceleration is constant, 0. So we can apply the kinematic equations for constant acceleration.