Gravitional Potential Energy and Elastic Potentional Energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving two physics problems involving gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy. The first problem requires calculating the extension of a spring in a rifle to hit a target 15 meters away, with suggestions to derive a trajectory equation and consider energy conservation. The second problem involves determining the maximum extension of a bungee cord that needs to transfer 2,000,000 J of energy with a 10 kg mass. Participants emphasize the importance of showing attempted solutions and suggest using kinematic equations to approach the problems. Overall, the thread highlights the need for a structured approach to solving physics problems involving energy and motion.
y201
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Homework Statement



1) A rifle shoots a spring of mass 0.008kg and with a spring constant of 350 N/m. You wish to hit a target horizontally a distance of 15 m away by pointing the rifle at 45 degrees above the horizontal. How far should you extend the spring in order to reach the target?

Homework Equations


1) d=v*t, v2=v1+a*t, d=v1(t)+(0.5)(a)(t)

The Attempt at a Solution


im lost :(

Homework Statement



A bungee cord need to transfer 2,000,000 J of energy. A 10 kg mass extends the bungee cord 1.3m. What is the maximum extension of the bungee cord?

Homework Equations


F=kx, E=(0.5)(k)(x^2) W=F*d

The Attempt at a Solution


lost again :(
 
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you need to show what you've tried in the question
 
cupid.callin said:
you need to show what you've tried in the question

sadly, i don't even know where to start.
 
Try to start by finding the maximum height that the spring must reach. Then try to consider changes in energy.
 
AlexChandler said:
Try to start by finding the maximum height that the spring must reach. Then try to consider changes in energy.

can you start me off with few steps please?
 
y201 said:
can you start me off with few steps please?

Sure. Try to combine the kinematics equations by eliminating the time in order to reach the trajectory equation. It should look like this.

y = tan \theta_0 x - \frac{g cos^2 \theta_0}{2 V_0^2} x^2

Then you should be able to find the maximum height.
 
AlexChandler said:
Sure. Try to combine the kinematics equations by eliminating the time in order to reach the trajectory equation. It should look like this.

y = tan \theta_0 x - \frac{g cos^2 \theta_0}{2 V_0^2} x^2

Then you should be able to find the maximum height.

this equation is for the second question right?
 
y201 said:
this equation is for the second question right?

No it is for the spring problem.
 
you can also do it the traditional way

find the time of flight using y = ut + .5gt2

now as horizontal speed don't change throughout the motion: distance you need to reach, d = uX * t

so you have uX viz ucos45

now use energy conservation

.5 kx2 = .5mv
 
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