Simple Harmonic Motion of a gun

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a toy popgun that compresses a spring to launch a ball, focusing on the relationship between spring force, spring constant, and the resulting speed of the ball. The subject area is mechanics, specifically related to simple harmonic motion and energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the spring constant using force and displacement, the relationship between potential energy stored in the spring and kinetic energy of the ball, and the implications of the force applied to compress the spring.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and guidance regarding the energy conversion between spring potential energy and kinetic energy. There is ongoing exploration of the correct application of formulas and concepts, with some uncertainty expressed about the relevance of the initial force applied.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about the nature of the problem, questioning whether it fits within the framework of simple harmonic motion and how the initial force relates to the calculations being made.

peaches1221
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(1)It takes a force of 75 N to compress the spring of a toy popgun 0.18 m to "load" a 0.14 kg ball. With what speed will the ball leave the gun?

I used the equation F=kx
I solved for K and I got 416 N/m

Then I used the equation omega = square root(K/M)
I solved for omega and i got 54.5.

Is this correct? It seems wrong to me. Please help, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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Hint: This is not a S.H.M. problem.
f= -k*x
k>> 416 N/m
This is not necessary.
 
The spring energy is converted into kinetic energy. Do you know what the spring energy is now that you know K? Can you figure out the velocity with this?
 
Thank you both for your help. I'm still not sure if I completely understand this problem

PE= 1/2kx^2
where I know k because it is 416 N/M and X=.18. so I would solve for the PE.

Then you're saying if the spring energy is converted to kinetic energy, then is KE=PE?
thus KE= 1/2mv^2 and then I would have to solve for v?

But I still don't think this is right because where is the 75N coming in?
 
You used it to find K, did you not?
 
Yeah, I'm an idiot. Thanks for your help.
 

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