Dropping springs (in free fall) and hoberman ball

This is because the tension in the spring is zero at equilibrium and only changes when the spring is extended. As for the Hoberman ball, the behavior may depend on whether it is in an expanded or contracted state when released. If it is in an expanded state, it will contract and fall as a small ball. However, if it is in a contracted state, it will not expand and will fall as a larger ball. In a falling elevator, the effects will be similar to dropping the spring at equilibrium. The spring will remain stationary until the elevator reaches its maximum velocity, at which point the whole spring will fall together. This is because the tension in the spring is zero at equilibrium and only changes when the spring is extended. The same principle
  • #1
katzzx
1
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Homework Statement


A) Explain what will happen if I drop a spring at equilibrium.
B) Explain what will happen if I drop a Hoberman ball.
C) Explain what will happen if I drop the spring in a falling elevator (in free fall).


Homework Equations


T=kx


3. The Attempt at a Solution [/b
For A) The bottom of the spring will remain stationary until the top bit has touched it because extension x only changes then and consequently T becomes zero and the whole spring then falls together.
I'm not sure if this applies to the Hoberman ball question though. It may depend on whether the ball is expanded/contracted when I release it. If it's expanded, as I release it the ball no longer feels the tension so it will contract at once and fall as a small ball? If it's contracted in the first place, it won't expand and become larger as it falls, will it?
For C) will the effects be the same as in A??
 
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  • #2
The spring will remain stationary until the top bit has touched it and then the whole spring will fall together.
 

1. What is the difference between dropping springs and a hoberman ball in free fall?

Dropping springs and a hoberman ball both experience free fall when dropped, but they have different properties and behaviors. Dropping springs are made of a long, thin wire that is coiled into a spring shape and when dropped, they will stretch and compress as they fall. A hoberman ball is a collapsible sphere made of interconnected plastic or metal pieces that can expand and contract as it falls.

2. Why do dropping springs and a hoberman ball change shape in free fall?

Both dropping springs and a hoberman ball experience changes in shape because of the forces acting on them during free fall. As gravity pulls them towards the ground, they experience acceleration and the forces of tension and compression, causing them to stretch and compress. Additionally, air resistance may also affect their shape as they fall through the air.

3. How does air resistance affect the behavior of dropping springs and a hoberman ball in free fall?

Air resistance, also known as drag, is the force exerted on an object as it moves through the air. In free fall, both dropping springs and a hoberman ball experience air resistance which can affect their behavior. Air resistance can slow down the objects' descent, causing them to fall at a slower rate. It can also affect the objects' shape and movement as they fall.

4. What factors affect the speed of dropping springs and a hoberman ball in free fall?

The speed of falling objects, including dropping springs and a hoberman ball, is affected by several factors. These include the objects' mass, the force of gravity, air resistance, and the shape and size of the objects. Objects with more mass will fall faster than objects with less mass, assuming all other factors are the same. Similarly, objects with less air resistance or a more streamlined shape will fall faster than objects with more air resistance or a bulkier shape.

5. Can dropping springs and a hoberman ball experience terminal velocity in free fall?

Terminal velocity is the maximum speed that a falling object can reach when the forces of gravity and air resistance are balanced. Both dropping springs and a hoberman ball can experience terminal velocity in free fall if they reach a point where the force of air resistance equals the force of gravity. However, this may not always be the case, as factors like the objects' shape and size can affect their terminal velocity.

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