- #1
coldjeanz
- 22
- 0
Homework Statement
Homework Equations
K.E = 1/2(m)(v final)^2
P.E = mgh
1/2k(x)^2 <--I don't understand how you would know to use this one
The Attempt at a Solution
Ok so I said that energy would be conserved so E initial would equal E final.
This is what I did to solve the problem but it was more luck than anything:
1/2k(x)^2 = 1/2(m)(v final)^2 + mgh
I solved for (v final) to get an answer of 1.9 m/s which is correct I think. But what I don't understand is why you are adding the potential and kinetic formulas together and then setting them equal to the 1/2k(x)^2 formula (what is this called, is it elastic?). What is the physics behind setting up the problem this way?
Thanks