Help finding potential energy of spring.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the final speed of block A and the potential energy stored in a spring when two blocks are released from a compressed state. Block A, with a mass of 1.00 kg, achieves a final speed of 3.30 m/s, while block B, with a mass of 3.00 kg, reaches a speed of 1.10 m/s after the spring expands. The kinetic energy (KE) of both blocks is calculated, leading to a total KE of 9.075 J, which is essential for determining the potential energy stored in the spring.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy formula (KE = 0.5 * m * v^2)
  • Familiarity with the concept of potential energy in springs (PE = 0.5 * k * x^2)
  • Basic principles of conservation of momentum
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to apply conservation of momentum in spring-block systems
  • Explore the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy in mechanical systems
  • Study the calculations for potential energy in springs using Hooke's Law
  • Investigate real-world applications of spring potential energy in engineering
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in mechanics, particularly those studying energy transformations in spring systems.

jgibbon2
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Block A has mass 1.00 kg, and block B has mass 3.00 kg. The blocks are forced together, compressing a spring between them; then the system is released from rest on a level, frictionless surface. The spring, which has negligible mass, is not fastened to either block and drops to the surface after it has expanded. Block B acquires a speed of 1.10 m/s.

a) What is the final speed of block A? Found this answer to be 3.30 m/s

b) How much potential energy was stored in the compressed spring?
- how do you find this answer?? KEa+KEb=9.075 ... not right
 
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check again your math in the KE calculation.
 

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