Potential Energy and Conservation of energy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the work required to stretch a spring, specifically comparing the work needed to stretch a spring by 1 cm versus 2 cm. The subject area includes concepts of potential energy and the properties of springs, particularly Hooke's law.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the amount of work done and the extension of the spring, with one participant suggesting that the work for 2 cm is twice that for 1 cm. Another participant challenges this assumption, indicating a misunderstanding of the underlying principles.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing clarifications about the potential energy formula for springs and the implications of Hooke's law. There is an active exchange of ideas regarding the mathematical relationships involved.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions about the springs being identical and Hookean are noted, which may influence the interpretations of the work done in stretching the springs.

msattar07
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Homework Statement


How does the work required to stretch a spring 2cm compare with the work required to stretch a spring 1 cm?


Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution



i think its twice the work
 
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Assuming that the two springs are the same and Hookean, you are wrong.
 
P.E. of a spring is 1/2kx^2 , which is directly proportional to the square of extension from the natural length
 
you can derive the expression for the potential energy of the spring by integrating the hooke law over the distance moved.
 

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