Elastic Potential Energy and spring

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating elastic potential energy (EPE) for a 2.40 kg object attached to a spring with a spring constant of 40.0 N/m. The user initially calculated EPE using the formula EPE = 0.5kx² but obtained an incorrect value of 0.8 J at h = 0.2 m. Clarification was provided that at the release point (h = 0), the displacement x is -0.2 m, leading to the conclusion that EPE at h = 0.2 m is actually 0 J, as the spring is at its equilibrium position.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy formulas
  • Familiarity with the concept of equilibrium position in spring systems
  • Basic algebra for manipulating energy equations
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  • Study the derivation and applications of Hooke's Law in mechanical systems
  • Learn about energy conservation principles in oscillatory motion
  • Explore the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy in spring systems
  • Investigate the effects of varying spring constants on energy calculations
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and energy conservation, as well as educators teaching concepts related to springs and potential energy.

wallace13
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A 2.40 kg object is hanging from the end of a vertical spring. The spring constant is 40.0 N/m. The object is pulled 0.200 m downward and released from rest. Complete the table below by calculating the translational kinetic energy, the gravitational potential energy, the elastic potential energy, and the total mechanical energy E for each of the vertical positions indicated. The vertical positions h indicate distances above the point of release, where h = 0


I have already found kinetic and gravitational potential energy. I need to find elastic potential energy at h=0, .2, and .4m

Elastic Potential Energy= .5kx squared


.5(40)(.2)squared= .8 J

.8 J is the incorrect answer, but i know .5kx squared is the right equation... what am I doing wrong??


At this height (.2 above the release point) I found the correct kinetic energy to be .81 J and the correct gPE to be 4.7088 J
 
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I'm confused over the point of release and the equilibrium point.
Looks to me like the point of release is h = 0, x = -0.2.
So at h = 0.2, x = 0 and the Elastic PE = 0.
 

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