Jumping box with a spring and mass inside

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a mass M box containing a massless spring with an elastic constant k and a mass m attached to a wire. When the wire breaks, the box jumps, and the deformation b of the spring is determined by the inequality b > (M + 2m)g/k. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the forces acting on the system, specifically the gravitational force F = m.g and the spring force F = k.b, to derive the solution correctly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Basic principles of forces and acceleration
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation of inequalities
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Newton's second law in dynamic systems
  • Explore Hooke's Law in greater detail, focusing on spring deformation
  • Learn about energy conservation in spring-mass systems
  • Investigate the effects of mass and acceleration on system behavior
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Students studying classical mechanics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding dynamic systems involving springs and masses.

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Homework Statement


Inside a mass M box, over a horizontal floor, there are a massless spring of elastic constant k, fixed to a body of mass m. That body is trapped to a wire in the bottom of the box. After the wire breaks the box will jump with which deformation b of the spring?

Homework Equations


F=m.g
F=k.b

The Attempt at a Solution


I know the answer is that below but i just can't think how would I get to it.
b > (M + 2m)g/k.
 

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Hi Zeor137. I think what happens is that in the situation shown, the spring is stretched. When the wire is cut, the mass m accelerates upwards until the spring becomes compressed by almost as much as it had been stretched (less an allowance for the weight of m).

I haven't worked it out, so I can't be certain that that's the right way to view it.
 
Zeor137 said:

Homework Statement


Inside a mass M box, over a horizontal floor, there are a massless spring of elastic constant k, fixed to a body of mass m. That body is trapped to a wire in the bottom of the box. After the wire breaks the box will jump with which deformation b of the spring?

Homework Equations


F=m.g
F=k.b

The Attempt at a Solution


I know the answer is that below but i just can't think how would I get to it.
b > (M + 2m)g/k.

Welcome to the PF. Please use NO's hint to help you work this problem. We do not allow posts here where you do not show your work toward a solution.
 

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