Find the maximum spring compression

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a horizontal spring with a given spring constant and a wad of putty thrown towards it. The goal is to determine the maximum compression of the spring based on the kinetic energy of the putty upon impact.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of kinetic energy and its relation to the work done on the spring. There are attempts to clarify the correct application of the kinetic energy formula and the impact of the factor of 1/2 in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on correcting the kinetic energy calculation, noting the importance of using the correct formula. There is an acknowledgment of a successful resolution by one participant, while another post introduces a different problem related to a block dropped onto a spring, indicating ongoing exploration of related concepts.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions a different scenario involving a block dropped from a height onto a spring, which introduces additional considerations regarding maximum compression and energy transfer in a vertical spring system.

Capncanada
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Homework Statement



A horizontal spring with k = 71 N/m has one end attached to a wall and the other end free. An 95 g wad of putty is thrown horizontally at 3.7 m/s directly toward the free end.

Find the maximum spring compression.

Homework Equations



W=1/2kx^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Tried squaring the 3.7m/s to get 13.69m^2/s^2 and multiplying that by the weight of the putty to obtain 1.3J, the work done.

Plugging that in...

W=1/2kx^2
1.3J=1/2(71)x^2
x=0.19

which is incorrect.
 
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Capncanada said:
Tried squaring the 3.7m/s to get 13.69m^2/s^2 and multiplying that by the weight of the putty to obtain 1.3J, the work done.

Multiplying it by the mass of the putty, not the weight. :wink:

In any case, I suspect you are missing the factor of 1/2 in the expression for the kinetic energy.
 
I doubled the KE when I multiplied the 1/2 over in the second step, is that what youre talking about?
 
Capncanada said:
I doubled the KE when I multiplied the 1/2 over in the second step, is that what youre talking about?

I'm saying the KE is not 1.3 J, it's half of that. You computed 1.3 J using mv2 when you should have used (1/2)mv2.
 
Got the right answer after rounding it properly haha. Thank you, that's all for tonight. :)
 
Can anyone help me with this issue??

A block of mass m is dropped onto the top of a vertical spring whose force constant is k. If the block is released from a height h above the top of the spring then what is the maximum compression of the spring??

Waiting for your replies.

_____________________________________http://www.rowleyspring.com/products/types-of-springs/compression-springs.php
 

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