Help with a mechanical energy exercise

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a mechanical energy problem involving a spring cannon that launches a marble ball. The ball, with a mass of 75g, is shot horizontally from a height of 1.2m and lands 4.2m away. The conservation of energy principle is applied to determine the mechanical energy of the ball, the spring constant "k," and the distance the ball would travel if the spring compression is increased to 37mm. Key calculations involve using the initial potential energy and the final kinetic energy to find the unknown variables.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mechanical energy conservation principles
  • Familiarity with spring mechanics and Hooke's Law
  • Basic knowledge of projectile motion
  • Ability to perform calculations involving potential and kinetic energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the mechanical energy using the formula E = (1/2) k x^2
  • Determine the spring constant "k" using the distance traveled and energy equations
  • Analyze the effect of increased spring compression on projectile distance
  • Explore the relationship between initial velocity and distance in projectile motion
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of energy conservation and projectile motion principles.

Felafel
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Homework Statement



A spring cannon is used to shot horizontally a marble mall, whose mass is 75g, from a platform located 1.2 m from the ground. If the spring compression is 25 mm, the ball hits the ground 4,2m from the base of the platform. Not taking friction into account, determine:
1-the mechanical energy of the ball during the motion
2-the "k" constant factor of the spring
3-how far the ball would hit the ground if the compression were 37mm.


The Attempt at a Solution



With no friction, i can use the principle of conservation of energy

I want to compute the mechanical energy for the top of the platform.
##E_i=E_f## ##\Rightarrow## ##U_i+K_i=U_f+K_f##
But ##K_i = 0## because the ball is not moving yet, and ##U_f=0## So,
##U_i-K_f=E## ##\Rightarrow## ##E=\frac{1}{2} k x^2 - \frac{1}{2} m v^2##

However, I keep having two variables: velocity and k, and I don't know how to find the value of any of the two, even using other formulas. Can anyone give me a hint?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
When the ball leaves the platform, you know the distance it moves in the x- and y-directions.
So you can work out its speed at this point.
That will help you with the rest of the problem.
 

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