Potential energy in a Mass spring system

In summary, the rate of change of potential energy is always the same as the rate of change of kinetic energy in a mass spring system. Additionally, to determine the rate of change of potential energy, you need to differentiate the two rates of change and compare them.
  • #1
Asad Raza
82
3
Why is the rate of change of potential energy always same the rate of change of kinetic energy in a mass spring system?
Additiinally, How do we determine the rate of change of potential energy in such case?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The total energy in a mass spring system is conserved and so any decrease in one form of energy should result in an increase in another because otherwise the total energy would change.
To determine the rate of change of potential energy:
Step1) Consider the most general trajectory for a harmonic oscillator:## x(t)=A\cos \omega t+B\sin\omega t ##
Step2) Put ##x(t)## in ## V(t)=\frac 1 2 kx(t)^2=\frac 1 2 m\omega^2 x(t)^2 ##.
Step3) Differentiate ## V(t) ## w.r.t. time.
Step4) Differentiate ## K(t) ## w.r.t. time.(you calculated it here!)
Step5) Compare the results from Step3 and Step4.
 
  • Like
Likes TJGilb
  • #3
Think about conservation of energy with regards to a mass-spring system: ##\frac 1 2 m {\frac {dx} {dt}}^2+mg(h-x)+\frac 1 2 kx^2=constant## where h is the max height. Imagine we drop it from when the displacement in the spring is zero. Putting this in terms of time we can get

##\frac 1 2 m(A \omega sin(\omega t))^2+mg(h-Acos(\omega t))+\frac 1 2 k(Acos(\omega t))^2=constant##

Taking the rate of change with respect to time we get

##mA^2 \omega^3 sin(\omega t)cos(\omega t)+mgA \omega sin(\omega t)-kA^2 cos(\omega t)sin(\omega t)=0##

Putting the rate of change of the potential energies on one side and the kinetic energy on the other, we get

##mA^2 \omega^3 sin(\omega t)cos(\omega t)=kA^2 cos(\omega t)sin(\omega t)-mgA \omega sin(\omega t)##

which simplifies to

##mA\omega^3 cos(\omega t) = kAcos(\omega t)-mg\omega##.

As you can see, the rate of change is driven by ##cos(\omega t)## for both.

This was quick and dirty, so if I made any errors somewhere, someone feel free to correct me.
 

1. What is potential energy in a mass spring system?

Potential energy in a mass spring system is the energy stored in the system due to the position of the mass and the spring. It is the energy that the system has the potential to convert into other forms, such as kinetic energy.

2. How is potential energy calculated in a mass spring system?

Potential energy in a mass spring system can be calculated using the equation PE = 1/2kx^2, where PE is potential energy, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement of the mass from its equilibrium position.

3. What affects the potential energy in a mass spring system?

The potential energy in a mass spring system is affected by the spring constant, the displacement of the mass, and the acceleration due to gravity. It can also be affected by external forces acting on the system, such as friction or air resistance.

4. How does potential energy change in a mass spring system?

The potential energy in a mass spring system changes as the position of the mass changes. When the mass is at its equilibrium position, the potential energy is at its minimum. As the mass is displaced from its equilibrium position, the potential energy increases. When the mass is released, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the mass oscillates back and forth.

5. What is the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy in a mass spring system?

In a mass spring system, potential energy and kinetic energy are interchangeable. As the mass moves, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and vice versa. At the equilibrium position, all of the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, and at the extremes of the oscillation, all of the kinetic energy is converted back into potential energy.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
906
Replies
2
Views
771
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
45
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
764
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
10K
Replies
5
Views
773
Replies
7
Views
952
Replies
9
Views
2K
Back
Top