Force transfer from compressed spring

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the motion of a tennis ball propelled by a compressed metal spring. Participants explore the application of physics concepts such as force, acceleration, and energy conservation in determining how high the ball will travel and the time it will take to reach that height.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The initial post presents a scenario involving a compressed spring and a tennis ball, seeking equations to determine the ball's motion after release.
  • One participant suggests using conservation of energy to analyze the situation, indicating that the ball's acceleration will change as it moves.
  • Another participant humorously questions the mass of the tennis ball, implying a need for clarification on its contents.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the approach to solving the problem, and there are competing views regarding the physics concepts to apply.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed assumptions about the spring's properties, such as its spring constant, and does not resolve the implications of gravity on the ball's motion.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and enthusiasts interested in mechanics, particularly those studying forces and motion in physics.

Neil Burns
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Homework Statement


I have a metal spring 50mm in diameter 152 mm long compressed to half its length ie 76mm by using a weight of 50kg. I have used a clip to hold it compressed. When that clip is broken the spring will expand back to its original length of 152mm. How can I work out how far it will push a tennis ball weighing 1kg into the air and how long will this take ?


Homework Equations


Newton Acceleration = force/mass
Speed = distance/time s=d/t
acceleration= increase in speed over time (speed end -speed beg) / (time end-time beg)

Please let me know what other equations I should use?


The Attempt at a Solution


The tennis ball will accelerate very fast to begin with at rate of 50kg - 1kg but slow as the force of gravity drags it back to the earth
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

Hi Neil! Welcome to PF! :wink:

Use conservation of energy to find when the ball leaves the spring (that'll be when the acceleration = … ?)

Then use one of the standard constant acceleration equations. :smile:
 
A tennis ball of mass 1 kg? What is inside of it?
 
baked beans! :-p
 

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