Solve Spring Force/Energy: Find Velocity

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around finding the velocity of an object attached to a horizontal spring when it is halfway to equilibrium. Participants express confusion over the term "halfway to equilibrium" and seek clarification on its meaning in relation to the spring's stretch distance. The question also mentions that the spring undergoes simple harmonic motion and achieves a maximum speed of 1.5 m/s upon release, prompting inquiries about the object's initial conditions. There is a consensus that the question needs to be clearly stated to facilitate better understanding and problem-solving. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities involved in interpreting the problem and the need for precise definitions in physics questions.
AtomicBoom
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I have a question that asks to find the velocity of the object attached to a horizontal spring when it is halfway to equilibrium. I am given the mass, how far the spring was stretched, and the velocity of the spring when it was released.
I am unsure of what it means by halfway to equilibrium. Could i solve it by finding the initial kinetic energy?
 
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Do you have the spring constant?
 
AtomicBoom said:
I have a question that asks to find the velocity of the object attached to a horizontal spring when it is halfway to equilibrium. I am given the mass, how far the spring was stretched, and the velocity of the spring when it was released.
I am unsure of what it means by halfway to equilibrium. Could i solve it by finding the initial kinetic energy?

Mechanical equilibrium - when the net force on the object is zero.

Questions for you:
Where would that be? Is it how far the spring was stretched?
If the stretch was L, then halfway to the equilibrium position should then be _____?

Can you clarify what you mean though, when you say you know the velocity of the spring when released. Is the object given an initial velocity? other than 0?
 
AtomicBoom said:
halfway to equilibrium
That's a really poor term to use in a question. I would find it really difficult to decide what it means exactly.
 
256bits said:
Mechanical equilibrium - when the net force on the object is zero.

Questions for you:
Where would that be? Is it how far the spring was stretched?
If the stretch was L, then halfway to the equilibrium position should then be _____?

Can you clarify what you mean though, when you say you know the velocity of the spring when released. Is the object given an initial velocity? other than 0?

It said in the question that the spring undergoes simple harmonic motion, and achieves a maximum velocity of 1.5m/s.
 
No, it says 1.5 m/s is the speed when is released. Which needs some clarification. What was it doing before being released?
 
I believe at this stage, the question should be stated completely, in one post.
 

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