How Do You Calculate the Kinetic Energy of a Stretched Spring?

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SUMMARY

The kinetic energy (KE) of a stretched spring can be calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 m/l * dx * v(x)², where v(x) is the velocity at a specific distance from the center of the spring. The discussion highlights that while the spring's mass (m) is known, the spring constant (k) is not provided, making the standard KE formula (KE = 0.5kx²) inapplicable. Participants suggest that the velocity v(x) is proportional to the distance x from the center, emphasizing the need to derive v(x) as a function of x for accurate calculations.

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atri.shivam
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Homework Statement


A spring of mass m is pulled away from the centre from its two ends with a velocity v at a particular instant.Find its kinetic energy.


Homework Equations


KE=.5kx2 is useless since k is not given but m is given
So i think i will have have to use .5mv2


The Attempt at a Solution


the velocity of the spring will gradually decrease and will become 0 at the centre.
if v(x) is the velocity at a particular distance from the centre then we can write
kinetic energy=1/2 m/l*dx*v(x)2(dx being a small distance x)
and then integrate to find KE.
i am unable to find v(x) as a function of x.
 
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atri.shivam said:
if v(x) is the velocity at a particular distance from the centre then we can write
kinetic energy=1/2 m/l*dx*v(x)2(dx being a small distance x)
and then integrate to find KE.
i am unable to find v(x) as a function of x.

Hi atri.shivam! Welcome to PF! :smile:

v(x), at any particular time, will be proportional to x … that's how springs work! :smile:

(assuming there's no wave in the spring! :rolleyes:)
 
but what will be the equation of v(x)
 

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