Elastic Potential Energy- finding spring constant

In summary, the conversation discusses a physics lab experiment involving a spring and a ball. It provides information about the distance the ball travels when the spring is compressed, as well as the equations and methods used to calculate the velocity of the ball. The final question posed is how to find the velocity of the ball.
  • #1
bigboss
28
0

Homework Statement



In a physics lab experiment, a spring clamped to the table shoots a 22 g ball horizontally. When the spring is compressed 18 cm, the ball travels horizontally 5.2 m and lands on the floor 1.5 m below the point at which it left the spring.

Homework Equations



Us= .5kx^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to find the elastic potential energy and then i got stuck.
 
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  • #2
Use energy conservation. When the spring is compressed the ball is stationary so all its energy is elastic potential energy. When the spring is released the ball loses potential energy and gains kinetic energy.
 
  • #3
how would i find the velocity?
 
  • #4
With [itex]y=y_0+v_{0,y}t-\frac{1}{2}gt^2[/itex] and [itex]x=v_{0,x} t[/itex].
 

What is elastic potential energy?

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in an object when it is stretched or compressed. This energy is stored in the form of potential energy, which means it has the potential to do work.

How is the spring constant defined?

The spring constant, also known as the force constant, is a measure of the stiffness of a spring. It is defined as the force required to stretch or compress a spring by one unit of length.

What is the formula for calculating the spring constant?

The formula for calculating the spring constant is k = F/x, where k is the spring constant, F is the applied force, and x is the displacement of the spring.

What are the units of spring constant?

The units of spring constant depend on the units used for force and displacement. In the SI system, the units of spring constant are N/m (newtons per meter).

How can the spring constant be determined experimentally?

The spring constant can be determined experimentally by measuring the force required to stretch or compress a spring by a known amount, and then using the formula k = F/x to calculate the spring constant.

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