# Effect of Two Springs on an Object

1. Oct 26, 2008

### jemstone

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
The spring in the figure (link 1) (a)is compressed by length $$\Delta$$x. It launches the block across a frictionless surface with speed v0. The two springs in the figure (link 2) (b) are identical to the spring of the figure . They are compressed by the same length $$\Delta$$x and used to launch the same block. What is the block's speed now?

picture1: http://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1000762/5/knight_Figure_10_38a.jpg

picture 2: http://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1000762/5/knight_Figure_10_38b.jpg

2. Relevant equations
Fsp = -k$$\Delta$$s
Us = 1/2 k($$\Delta$$s)2
K = 1/2 mv2

3. The attempt at a solution

I'm not sure what the effect of two springs would be, but in terms of V0 I feel like it might be 2V0, but that seems to easy.

2. Oct 26, 2008

### heth

Try making some substitutions using the equations you quoted to see if your feeling is right or not.

3. Oct 26, 2008

### borgwal

What do you think happens to the force on the block?

4. Oct 26, 2008

### jemstone

Ok I figured it out! I plugged in all the numbers and found that it is sqr(2)v

thanks!

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