Oscillation equilibrium problem

[dtesselstrom]

A 4.40 kg block hangs from a spring with spring constant 1700 N/m. The block is pulled down 6.30 cm from the equilibrium position and given an initial velocity of 1.10 m/s back toward equilibrium.

I have no idea how to start such a problem. If anyone could give me a idea of where to start Id be very thankful.

 

[OlderDan]

First, state the whole problem. You have stated the initial conditions, but not what you are being asked to find. Whatever it is you are supposed to be finding, you can probably get there by considering the initial energy of the mass/spring system.

 

[dtesselstrom]

ya just realized I forgot that the part I am having problem with is
What is the amplitude?
What is the total mechanical energy of the motion?

 

[OlderDan]

ya just realized I forgot that the part I am having problem with is
What is the amplitude?
What is the total mechanical energy of the motion?

A stretched or compressed spring has potential energy. How much?? A moving mass has kinetic energy. How much?? For a mass hanging on a spring gravity only alters things by moving the eqwuilibrium position of the mass, so you don't have to worry about gravity if you measure the stretching or compression of the spring from the equilibrium point of the mass.

The amplitude is the distance from equilibrium to the maximum stretch point. At this point all the energy is the spring energy.

 

[dtesselstrom]

Ok I figured it out thanks for the help.