Greatest acceleration of the mass

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the greatest acceleration of a 2.50 kg mass released from a compressed spring with a force constant of 25 N/cm, which stores 11.5 J of potential energy. The mass achieves a maximum speed of 3.03 m/s, determined using the kinetic energy equation. To find the greatest acceleration, participants need to apply Newton's second law (F = ma) and understand the relationship between force and spring compression. The key equation for force in this context is F = kx, where k is the spring constant and x is the compression distance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Knowledge of spring mechanics, specifically Hooke's Law (F = kx)
  • Familiarity with energy conservation principles, particularly potential and kinetic energy
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between force and spring compression using Hooke's Law
  • Learn how to derive acceleration from force using Newton's second law
  • Explore energy conservation in mechanical systems, focusing on potential and kinetic energy
  • Practice solving problems involving mass-spring systems on frictionless surfaces
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and energy conservation, as well as educators looking for problem-solving strategies in mass-spring systems.

J89
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Homework Statement



A 2.50 kg mass is pushed against a horizontal spring of force constant 25 N/cm on a frictionless air table. The spring is attached to the tabletop, and the mass is not attached to the spring in any way. When the spring has been compressed enough to store 11.5 J of potential energy in it, the mass is suddenly released from rest. Find..

a) Greatest speed that the mass reaches (already solved)
b) Greatest acceleration of the mass..help!



Homework Equations


\sum=ma
k= 1/2mv^2
W=1/2kx^2



The Attempt at a Solution


For part a) I already solved it, and the answer is 3.03 m/s (set 11.5J=1/2mv^2 and solve for v)

For part b, I know you have to use \sum=ma, but I tried several methods and they all failed :(

Help would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Don't get carried away.

F = m*a so at what point is the force on the block the greatest?

What is the equation that relates what that force is?
 

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