Find displacement of marble launched from a spring (Energy), help please

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the horizontal displacement of a marble launched from a spring with a spring constant of 12 N/m. The marble, weighing 8.3 x 10^-3 kg, is shot from a spring compressed by 4.0 cm, and the height from which it is launched is 93.0 cm. The user initially calculated the horizontal distance as 1.00716 m, but the textbook answer is 0.66 m. The discrepancy arose from a miscalculation in determining the velocity, where the user mistakenly used the square of the velocity instead of the velocity itself.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Knowledge of kinetic and potential energy equations
  • Familiarity with projectile motion concepts
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of energy conservation in mechanical systems
  • Learn about projectile motion and the equations of motion
  • Study the derivation and application of Hooke's Law
  • Practice solving problems involving springs and projectile trajectories
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying mechanics, educators teaching energy conservation, and anyone interested in practical applications of spring dynamics and projectile motion.

mickeymouseho
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
1. A horizontal spring, of constant 12N/m, is mounted at the edge of a lab bench to shoot marbles at targets on the floor 93.0 cm below. A marble of mass 8.3 x 10^-3 kg is shot from the spring, which is initially compressed a distance of 4.0 cm. How far does the marble travel horizontally before hitting the floor?



2. Relevant equations
E = 0.5kx^2
E = 0.5mv^2
delta d = 0.5(acceleration)(delta time)^2
dx = vx x t



The Attempt at a Solution



E = 0.5kx^2
= 0.5(12N/m)(0.04m)^2
= 0.0096J

E = 0.5mv^2
0.0096J = 0.5(8.3x10^-3kg)(v)^2
Square root of [0.0096J / (0.5x8.3x10^-3kg)] = v
2.31 m/s = v

delta d = 0.5at^2
t = square root of [ (2 times delta d) / a] *acceleration = gravity, 9.8m/s
t = square root of [ (2 x 0.93m) / (9.8m/s^2)]
t = 0.436s

dx = vx x t
= 2.31 m/s x 0.436s
= 1.00716m

I've got 1.00716m as the answer. However, the textbook says the answer is 0.66m. I'm guessing I did something wrong at finding the velocity. I can't seem to figure this problem out. Please help. Thanks in advance! :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
mickeymouseho said:
1.A horizontal spring, of constant 12N/m, is mounted at the edge of a lab bench to shoot marbles at targets on the floor 93.0 cm below. A marble of mass 8.3 x 10^-3 kg is shot from the spring, which is initially compressed a distance of 4.0 cm. How far does the marble travel horizontally before hitting the floor?

2. Homework Equations
E = 0.5kx^2
E = 0.5mv^2
delta d = 0.5(acceleration)(delta time)^2
dx = vx x t

3. The Attempt at a Solution
E = 0.5kx^2
= 0.5(12N/m)(0.04m)^2
= 0.0096J

E = 0.5mv^2

0.0096J = 0.5(8.3x10^-3kg)(v)^2
Square root of [0.0096J / (0.5x8.3x10^-3kg)] = v
2.31 m/s = v


I've got 1.00716m as the answer. However, the textbook says the answer is 0.66m. I'm guessing I did something wrong at finding the velocity. I can't seem to figure this problem out. Please help. Thanks in advance!

Welcome to PF.

2.31 is V2 not V
 
LowlyPion said:
Welcome to PF.

2.31 is V2 not V

Thank you for the welcoming! :biggrin:

And yes, I am a clutz, for forgetting to square root... :blushing::redface: Gosh this is embarrasing...

Thanks so much for the help!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
14
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K