How Is Maximum Elongation Calculated in a Spring System?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum elongation in a spring system involving a block and a spring. The problem involves a 2-kg block attached to a spring with a specified spring constant and an initial speed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply energy conservation principles to find the maximum elongation of the spring, presenting a formula and calculation. Some participants express agreement with the initial approach, while others question the correctness of the conclusion.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes varying interpretations of the problem, with some participants affirming the original poster's calculation, while others suggest there may be a typographical error in the expected answer. No explicit consensus has been reached regarding the correct maximum elongation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential discrepancies in the problem's expected outcome, indicating a need for clarity on the parameters or assumptions involved in the calculation.

MathewsMD
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A 2-kg block is attached to a horizonal ideal spring with a spring constant of 200 N/m. When the spring has its equilibrium length the block is given a speed of 5 m/s. What is the maximum elongation of the spring?

Is not the solution simply:

1/2kx2 = 1/2mv2

x = (mv2/k)0.5

x = 0.5 m?

That is incorrect, though.
 
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Looks correct to me.
 
The answer was 5m...probably a typo, just wanted to confirm.

Thanks.
 

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