Energy Dissipation when compressing a spring

In summary: The body is not 100% efficient in converting food energy to mechanical work. Some of it is lost as heat.In summary, when compressing a spring, one must exert a force to keep it compressed. This force also requires energy from the muscles, which is not directly related to the potential energy stored in the spring. The energy produced by the muscles is mostly converted into heat, resulting in some loss of efficiency.
  • #1
Terocamo
47
0
I guess it is common to say spring system conserve energy.
But recenetly i hav been wondering another thing.

Everybody have the experience of compressing a spring.
When you do so, you must pay a force to keep the spring compressed.
However, when you exert that force, you must also generate power for your muscle.

I understand with the same compression, the spring store the same amount of potential energy. So my question is, where does the energy produced by my muscle go?

I think it is probably my misconception about something, but i would appreciate if anybody can fill me with some details 0.0...
:bugeye:
 
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  • #2
Terocamo said:
I guess it is common to say spring system conserve energy.
But recenetly i hav been wondering another thing.

Everybody have the experience of compressing a spring.
When you do so, you must pay a force to keep the spring compressed.
However, when you exert that force, you must also generate power for your muscle.
If you choose to keep the spring compressed using your muscles, then you'll have to spend energy to maintain the tension in your muscles. This has nothing much to do with the spring, though. (You could have just tied the spring with a cord to keep it compressed. Or just rested a weight on it. Those methods require no energy input.)

I understand with the same compression, the spring store the same amount of potential energy. So my question is, where does the energy produced by my muscle go?
Into random internal energy--'heat'.
 

1. What is energy dissipation when compressing a spring?

Energy dissipation when compressing a spring refers to the loss of energy that occurs when a spring is compressed. This loss of energy is due to factors such as friction, air resistance, and internal heat generation.

2. Why does energy dissipation occur when compressing a spring?

Energy dissipation occurs when compressing a spring because energy is required to overcome the forces of friction and air resistance. Additionally, as the coils of the spring are compressed, they rub against each other and generate heat, resulting in a loss of energy.

3. How does energy dissipation affect the compression of a spring?

Energy dissipation affects the compression of a spring by reducing the amount of potential energy stored in the spring. This means that the spring will not be able to return to its original length with the same amount of force as before.

4. Can energy dissipation be prevented when compressing a spring?

While it is not possible to completely prevent energy dissipation when compressing a spring, it can be minimized by reducing the forces of friction and air resistance. This can be achieved by using lubricants and compressing the spring in a controlled, smooth manner.

5. How does the material of a spring affect energy dissipation when compressing?

The material of a spring can affect energy dissipation when compressing in several ways. For example, a stiffer material will require more force to compress, resulting in more energy dissipation. Additionally, some materials may generate more heat when compressed, leading to a greater loss of energy.

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