What Formulas Can be Used to Calculate Energy and Forces in a Spring Collision?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the proportionality constant for a spring collision involving a tricycle with a mass of 33 kg traveling at 12 m/s that compresses a spring over 1.6 m. Key formulas mentioned include Hooke's Law (F = k * elongation) and energy equations for kinetic and potential energy (KE = 1/2 mv^2 and elastic PE = 1/2 kd^2). The user struggles to combine these equations due to a lack of acceleration and time data, expressing frustration over their inability to solve the problem. They seek clarification on whether equating kinetic and potential energy is appropriate in this context. Overall, the thread highlights the complexities of applying classical mechanics principles to real-world scenarios.
Eternalmetal
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1. A guy us riding a tricycle at 33kg at 12m/s when it strikes a spring and is brought to rest in 1.6m. Compute the proportionality constant and explain the type of energy, types of forces, and Hookes law applied



2.
F = k(elongation)
I am sure there are others.




3. my problem comes from when I try and combine f=k(elongation) with f = ma, I don't have an acceleration part of the problem. I don't have time, so I don't know impulse either. I am sure it is solvable, but I just can't figure it out at the moment.

Even if you just post the formulas I would need to do the calculations I would appreciate it.
 
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Try applying third equation of motion :- v^{2} - u^{2} = 2aX
 
I don't ever recall seeing that equation before.

I am sure this is not a difficult problem, but I can't get it for the life of me.
 
just check out any book on Elementary Classical Mechanics, you can find 3 equations of motions there.
 
I have to use hookes law and kinetic/potential energy and such. As you can see, I am ****ing lost. I would really appreciate any help that involves using hookes constant. I have found 2 formulas, but i don't know if I could equate them in this specific case

elastic PE = 1/2 kd^2
KE = 1/2 mv^2

If I can equate those two I will solve for a k value. Would this be for this application, or am I completely wrong?

At this point, I would just appreciate it if someone would give me an answer. I usually appreciate it when someone helps force me to learn it myself, but I am just too stressed out to spend so much time on this.
 
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