Determining spring's max compression on frictionless track

In summary, a frictionless track is a track that eliminates any friction between the track and the object moving on it, allowing for more accurate measurements and calculations. The spring's max compression is determined by measuring the distance it is compressed when a force is applied to it. Factors such as the applied force, spring constant, and mass of the object can affect its compression. It is important to use a frictionless track when determining the spring's max compression to eliminate any interference from external forces and ensure accurate results. Determining the spring's max compression is significant as it provides valuable information about its properties and can be applied in various fields such as engineering, physics, and material science.
  • #1
mandy9008
127
1

Homework Statement


A 0.280-kg block along a horizontal track has a speed of 1.30 m/s immediately before colliding with a light spring of force constant 43.6 N/m located at the end of the track. What is the spring's maximum compression if the track is frictionless?


The Attempt at a Solution


mgy=1/2mv2
y=1/2v2 / g
y=1/2 (1.30 m/s)2 / 9.8 m/s2
y=0.086m

mgy=1/2kx2
x2 = 2mgy / k
x2 = 2 (.280 kg)(9.8 m/s2)(0.086m) / 43.6N/m
x=0.11m
 
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  • #2
Answer looks good, an alternate method is shown in the attachment.
 

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1. What is a frictionless track?

A frictionless track is a track that eliminates any friction between the track and the object moving on it. This allows for more accurate measurements and calculations without any interference from friction.

2. How is the spring's max compression determined?

The spring's max compression is determined by measuring the distance the spring is compressed when a force is applied to it. This distance can be measured using a ruler or other measuring tool.

3. What factors affect the spring's max compression on a frictionless track?

The spring's max compression is affected by the force applied to the spring, the spring constant, and the mass of the object attached to the spring. Additionally, the length and material of the spring can also affect its compression.

4. Why is it important to use a frictionless track when determining the spring's max compression?

Using a frictionless track eliminates any interference from external forces, such as friction, which can alter the results of the experiment. This allows for more accurate and reliable measurements and calculations.

5. What is the significance of determining the spring's max compression?

Determining the spring's max compression can provide valuable information about the spring's properties, such as its spring constant, and can be used to make predictions about its behavior in other situations. This information is useful in various fields such as engineering, physics, and material science.

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