Help with a Conservation of Energy Question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a clown launched from a spring-loaded cannon, focusing on conservation of energy principles. The spring constant and the clown's mass are provided, along with the maximum height achieved. The user successfully calculated the spring compression needed for launch but is seeking assistance with determining maximum acceleration and speed. Key concepts include using energy methods for speed calculation and applying Newton's second law to find maximum acceleration. The conversation emphasizes understanding the relationship between energy, force, and motion in this context.
jessicak
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Homework Statement


A circus clown of mass 52.0kg is launched vertically from a springloaded cannon with spring constant 3.5x103N/m. The clown attains a height of 4.5m above the initial position (when the spring was compressed).
a) How far was the spring compressed before launch?
b) what is the maximum acceleration of the clown during launch?
c) what is the maximum speed of the clown?


Homework Equations


mgh=1/2kx2


The Attempt at a Solution


I found the answer to part a (1.145m) using the relation above, but I am stuck on acceleration. I know I can find speed if I know acceleration. Any help would be appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Calculate speed by using energy methods...at what point is speed at its maximum? For max acceleration, at what point is the net force at a maximum? that's where a_max ocurs, found by using Newton 2.
 

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