How Does a Mass and Spring System Behave on an Inclined Plane?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the behavior of a mass-spring system on an inclined plane with a spring constant of 80 N/m and a mass of 2.2 kg. When the spring is compressed to 0.50 m and released, the conservation of energy principle is applied to determine how far the mass moves up the slope before coming to rest. The analysis includes scenarios with and without friction, specifically addressing the coefficient of kinetic friction when the mass stops at the spring's equilibrium position. Key equations include the conservation of energy equation, which incorporates both gravitational potential energy and spring potential energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of energy principles
  • Familiarity with spring potential energy calculations
  • Knowledge of basic mechanics involving inclined planes
  • Ability to apply Newton's laws in frictional contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conservation of energy in mass-spring systems
  • Learn how to calculate spring potential energy using the formula 1/2 k x^2
  • Explore the effects of friction on motion along inclined planes
  • Investigate the relationship between mass, acceleration, and forces on slopes
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and energy conservation, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to mass-spring systems and inclined planes.

besenji
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Homework Statement


A spring (80 N/m) has an equilibrium length of 1.00 m. The spring is compressed to a length of 0.50 m and a mass of 2.2 kg is placed at its free end on a frictionless slope which makes an angle of 41 degrees with respect to the horizontal. The spring is then released. (Intro 1 figure)


If the mass is not attached to the spring, how far up the slope will the mass move before coming to rest?

If the mass is attached to the spring, how far up the slope will the mass move before coming to rest?

Now the incline has a coefficient of kinetic friction uk. If the block, attached to the spring, is observed to stop just as it reaches the spring's equilibrium position, what is the coefficient of friction uk?

1/2mv^2+mgh=1/2mv^2+mgh
1/2kx^2

This problem has been giving me a ton of trouble.

I am sure that it involves the conservation of energy theorem, ad the spring constant.

I just need help with he correct equations to be set in the right direction.
 
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besenji said:

Homework Statement


A spring (80 N/m) has an equilibrium length of 1.00 m. The spring is compressed to a length of 0.50 m and a mass of 2.2 kg is placed at its free end on a frictionless slope which makes an angle of 41 degrees with respect to the horizontal. The spring is then released. (Intro 1 figure)


If the mass is not attached to the spring, how far up the slope will the mass move before coming to rest?

If the mass is attached to the spring, how far up the slope will the mass move before coming to rest?

Now the incline has a coefficient of kinetic friction uk. If the block, attached to the spring, is observed to stop just as it reaches the spring's equilibrium position, what is the coefficient of friction uk?

1/2mv^2+mgh=1/2mv^2+mgh

This energy equation (for conservation of energy) does not have the spring potential energy in it. It's just an extra term for each side:

1/2mv^2+mgh + 1/2 k x^2=1/2mv^2+mgh + 1/2 k x^2

where the terms on the left are for the initial point, and the terms on the right are for the final point. When you apply this equation to the first question, what does this equation become? What do you get as the answer?


(For the third question, energy is not conserved. How will the equation change for that?)
 

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