Solve for Force Exerted by Spring on Ball | General Physics Problem Help

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a spring with a specified spring constant and a mass attached to it, moving in a circular path. The original poster is trying to determine the force exerted by the spring on the ball and subsequently the speed of the ball in circular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster calculates the force exerted by the spring but expresses uncertainty about finding the velocity without knowing the period of motion. Some participants suggest considering the centripetal force and its relationship to mass and velocity.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the relationship between centripetal force and the motion of the ball. Guidance has been offered regarding the acceleration of the mass and the formula for centripetal force, but no consensus has been reached on the next steps for calculating velocity.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions ignoring gravity and air resistance, which may influence the dynamics of the problem. There is also a follow-up question regarding the speed of the ball, indicating a progression in the discussion.

sixstringartist
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Im having difficulty with a physics problem and was looking for help.

The problem states: A spring has a relaxed length of 1.0m, when no force is acting to stretch or compress it. It has a spring constant k = 200N/m. A ball of mass .05kg is attached to one end and it is made to go in circle with radius 1.4m, the new length of the spring. Assume that gravity and air resistance can be igmored. What is the magnitude of the force exerted by the spring on the ball?

This I got: F_mag = k_s * delta s = 80N


The follow up problem is: For the ball in circular motion in the problem above, what is its speed.

This is what gets me. I don't know how to find velocity without knowing the period.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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Hint: The motion is circular. What's the acceleration of the mass?
 
The centripetal force is equal to [tex]\frac{mv^2}{r}[/tex].
v:velcity
r:radius


Can you take it from there ?
marlon
 
marlon said:
The centripetal force is equal to [tex]\frac{mv^2}{r}[/tex].
v:velcity
r:radius


Can you take it from there ?
marlon

yes that's it! thank you! It all makes sense, b/c all I could find is v^2 = G *(M/R) for orbiting bodies which is basically the same formula. Thanks again.
 

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