Maximum speed of an object after a spring

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mass-spring system where a 534 g mass is attached to a spring with a force constant of 6 N/m. The mass is displaced from its equilibrium position and released, prompting questions about the maximum speed and acceleration of the mass during its motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the relationship between potential energy in the spring and the maximum speed of the mass. Questions about relevant formulas, such as those related to energy stored in a spring and Hooke's law, have been raised. There is also a discussion about the calculations for maximum speed and acceleration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the energy formula for springs, while others are questioning the validity of calculated speeds. There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts involved, with no clear consensus on the correct approach or results yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with the constraints of the problem as presented, including the mass, spring constant, and displacement, while also grappling with the formulas needed to derive the maximum speed and acceleration.

liamtcarroll
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A 534 g mass is connected to a light spring of
force constant 6 N/m that is free to oscillate
on a horizontal, frictionless track. The mass
is displaced 2 cm from the equilibrium point
and released from rest.

What is the maximum speed of the mass?

What is the maximum acceleration of the mass?

I found the period to be 1.87

Now I don't know what formula to use for the maximum speed, or to find the maximum acceleration.
 
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Do you know the formula for the energy stored in a spring? What will the stored energy be when the mass is at max speed?
 
is it Hooke's law?
 
wait is it PE=(1/2)(k)(x²)?
 
i got .037 m/s for my speed, does that sound right?
 
liamtcarroll said:
i got .037 m/s for my speed, does that sound right?
Sounds too low. Pls post your working.
 

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