Energy and Simple Harmonic Motion of block

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the elastic potential energy of a spring-mass system when a 3.2-kg block is replaced by a 5.0-kg block. The key point is that while the block is stationary, it indicates that the spring is stretched but not at its equilibrium position, meaning the extension 'x' is constant. Participants clarify that the gravitational force acting on the block and the spring constant remain unchanged, allowing for a ratio-based approach to find the new elastic potential energy. The relationship between the masses and their respective extensions is crucial for solving the problem. Understanding these concepts is essential for accurately determining the elastic potential energy in this scenario.
Pius
Messages
16
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A 3.2-kg block is hanging stationary from the end of a vertical spring that is attached to the ceiling. The elastic potential energy of this spring/mass system is 1.8J. What is the elastic potential energy of the system when the 3.2-kg block is replaced by a 5.0-kg block?

Homework Equations



Elastic potential energy=1/2kx^2
Gravitational potential energy=mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


Help me please!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The problem is that you have the extension x of the spring in your formula, which you do not know. However, there is an extra clue in the word "stationary". What does that mean?
 
it is not moving, x=0?
 
What should I put in for h and k? Thank you, CompuChip!
 
Exactly, it is not moving. But that does not mean that x = 0 (then the spring would be in its equilibrium position... but it is stretched by the mass that's hanging on it)... it merely says that x is a constant. But what can you say about the net force acting on the block. Which forces are there?
 
'x' is the extension from the equilibrium point in the spring when the 3.2kg mass is changed to 5kg. Because 'g' and 'k' stay constant it is just simple ratios...
 

Thread 'Rolling without slipping on a curved surface'

Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
View full post »
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'

Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'

The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
View full post »
Thread 'A bead-mass oscillatory system problem'

Thread 'A bead-mass oscillatory system problem'

I can't figure out how to find the velocity of the particle at 37 degrees. Basically the bead moves with velocity towards right let's call it v1. The particle moves with some velocity v2. In frame of the bead, the particle is performing circular motion. So v of particle wrt bead would be perpendicular to the string. But how would I find the velocity of particle in ground frame? I tried using vectors to figure it out and the angle is coming out to be extremely long. One equation is by work...
View full post »

Similar threads

Initial velocity of bird landing on horizontal wire modeled as spring
Replies
7
Views
990
Elastic potential energy problem
Replies
14
Views
4K
Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
Replies
17
Views
2K
Maximum compression of a spring?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Damped harmonic motion
Replies
3
Views
674
Simple Harmonic Motion Experiment Problem
Replies
2
Views
2K
Block on slope. Different answers using energy vs forces
Replies
5
Views
895
Simple Harmonic Motion of a Mass Hanging from a Vertical Spring
Replies
6
Views
2K
Springs and Splitting Mass Concept Confusion
Replies
1
Views
2K
Potential/Kinetic Energy of Particles in Harmonic Oscillator
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top