The discussion revolves around a problem involving spring forces and energy conservation, specifically focusing on the work-energy principle in the context of springs with different spring constants.
Some participants have provided attempts at calculations and engaged in clarifying the terms involved in the energy equations. There is ongoing exploration of how energy is conserved and transformed within the system, with some guidance offered on the relationship between initial and final energies.
Participants note confusion stemming from the professor's lack of detailed explanations and the complexity of the textbook material. There is also a mention of needing to be cautious with units, as some calculations have led to misunderstandings regarding energy measurements.
Thank you for trying, your threads will generally get answered a lot quick if you show an attempted solution.dsptl said:my professor doesn't go in details and book is to consusing but still I will give a try:
attempt: First I thought to use
W = delta KE + delta PE
but I was confused b/c i did not see a way to put those spring forces in there
so i was kindly asking for a help
We'll take it a step at a time. What is the energy stored in the 200N/m spring before the block is released?dsptl said:is it like this:
F x S = Ef - Ei
Could you explain how each of the terms arise, what does each term represent?dsptl said:= .5k(x.x) + .5mv.v + mgh
Good. What about the kinetic energy, is that non-zero before the block is released?dsptl said:1st is spring force , 2nd is kinetic energy and 3rd is potential enery, which is 0.
Correct. So, the total energy of the system is simply the energy stored by the spring, can you calculate it?dsptl said:i think it is zero since Vi is 0
No.dsptl said:do i just add them together?
And ended up with this much energy:dsptl said:at intial = .5(200N/m)(.1 x .1) = 1N
Where did the rest of the energy go?dsptl said:at Final = .5(4000N/m)(.05 x .05) = .5 N