Help with a Conservation of Energy Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a circus clown launched from a spring-loaded cannon. The clown has a mass of 52.0 kg and the spring constant is 3.5 x 103 N/m. The clown reaches a height of 4.5 m, leading to the calculation of spring compression, maximum acceleration, and maximum speed. The spring was compressed by 1.145 m, and the maximum acceleration can be determined using Newton's second law at the point of maximum net force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy principles
  • Familiarity with Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Knowledge of Newton's second law of motion
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations for energy conservation
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  • Calculate maximum acceleration using Newton's second law with the spring force
  • Determine maximum speed using energy conservation principles
  • Explore the relationship between spring compression and potential energy
  • Review examples of energy conservation in vertical motion problems
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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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