Elastic Energy and Conservation of Energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanics of a horizontal spring system with a force constant of 12 N/m, launching a marble of mass 8.3 x 10^-3 kg from a compressed position of 4.0 cm. The user initially attempted to apply the energy conservation equation Eelastic + Eg = Ek but found it ineffective. The correct approach is to equate the elastic potential energy (Eelastic) directly to the kinetic energy (Ek) of the marble upon release, as gravitational potential energy (Eg) does not contribute to the horizontal motion in this scenario.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy (Ek) and elastic potential energy (Eelastic)
  • Familiarity with gravitational potential energy (Eg) concepts
  • Basic principles of projectile motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Hooke's Law and its applications in spring mechanics
  • Learn about energy conservation principles in mechanical systems
  • Explore the calculations involved in projectile motion, particularly horizontal launches
  • Investigate the relationship between potential and kinetic energy in various contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding energy conservation in spring systems and projectile motion.

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Homework Statement



A horizontal spring of force constant 12 N/m, is mounted at the edge of a lab bench to shoot marbles at targets on the floor 93.0cm below. A marble of mass 8.3 x 10^-3 kg is shot from the spring, which is initially compressed a distance of 4.0 cm. how far does the marble travel horizontally?

i can see how i can calculate this, but I am not sure what the energy statement is in this question

originally i stated that

Eelastic + Eg = Ek

but that didnt work

I tried Eelastic = Ek
and that worked.

but it dosent make sense why Eelastic + Eg = Ek dosent work.
initially the ball is off on a table. so there should be gravitational potential energy...but why dosent it work with calculation?
 
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