Hooke's Law - System of Springs

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around applying Hooke's Law to a system of springs, specifically analyzing the equivalent spring constants for different configurations. The user initially presents a problem involving three systems with varying spring constants and seeks assistance. Participants suggest replacing springs in parallel with an equivalent spring constant to simplify the analysis. The conversation emphasizes understanding the principles of springs in series and parallel to solve the problem effectively. Ultimately, the user confirms that they resolved the issue after receiving guidance.
noobish
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/3814/hookes.jpg

Assuming spring constant for system A (left) is k
Then system B (middle) is k/2 and system C (right) is 2k

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7238/87792676.jpg

How about this system? Thanks for helping.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
replace the two springs in parallel with the spring with the equivalent spring constant. Now you have two springs in series.
 
noobish said:

How about this system? Thanks for helping.


How about it? Do you have a question? Showing us pretty graphs doesn't tell anyone what you're stuck on. Also, those bold sentences are there for a reason: use them. State the question, give the relevant equations, and show your attempt at a solution, and then maybe I can give you a hint (or someone else can -- I'm a beginning physics student as well, so I make a lot of mistakes!).
 
noobish said:
Assuming spring constant for system A (left) is k
Then system B (middle) is k/2 and system C (right) is 2k
Assuming you understand these statements, which describe the effect of adding springs in series or parallel, you can apply them directly to the new system. Hint: Start by replacing the bottom two springs by with an equivalent single spring.

Looks like rock.freak667 beat me too it! :smile:
 
Doc Al said:
Assuming you understand these statements, which describe the effect of adding springs in series or parallel, you can apply them directly to the new system. Hint: Start by replacing the bottom two springs by with an equivalent single spring.

Looks like rock.freak667 beat me too it! :smile:

rock.freak667 said:
replace the two springs in parallel with the spring with the equivalent spring constant. Now you have two springs in series.

Thanks. Solved it. =D
 
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
Back
Top