Elasticity and simple harmonic motion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the mass of an object attached to a spring, given specific parameters of work and acceleration. A work input of 3 J compresses the spring by 0.12 m, leading to a spring constant (k) of 417 N/m. Using the formula kx = ma, where x is the compression and a is the maximum acceleration of 19 m/s², the calculated mass is 2.63 kg. The calculations are confirmed as accurate based on the provided values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Basic knowledge of Newton's second law of motion
  • Familiarity with work-energy principles
  • Ability to perform algebraic manipulations for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Hooke's Law and its applications in mechanics
  • Learn about the relationship between work, energy, and potential energy in springs
  • Explore advanced topics in simple harmonic motion and its equations
  • Investigate real-world applications of spring dynamics in engineering
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of elasticity and motion dynamics.

peaches1221
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
A mass sitting on a horizontal, frictionless surface is attached to one end of a spring; the other end is fixed to a wall. 3 J of work is required to compress the spring by 0.12 m. If the mass is released from rest with the spring compressed 0.12 m, it experiences a maximum acceleration of 19 m/s2. Find the value of the mass.

I'm not sure if this is right, I just wanted to check my work.

step1: find k
step 2: find m

3= 1/2 K (.12)^2
k= 417 N/m

then i simply used kx= ma
417(.12)= m (19)
solved for m and I got 2.63... Is that right even though they say amax is 19?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Your work looks correct to me.
 

Similar threads

Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
30
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K