Solving for Max Compression: 0.2kg Spring

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block attached to a spring on a frictionless horizontal surface, where the spring constant is given. The scenario describes the block being pulled and released, with the goal of determining its speed at maximal compression of the spring.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the block's speed and the spring's compression, questioning what occurs at maximal compression. There is an exploration of the implications of the block's speed being zero at that point.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants engaging in reasoning about the block's motion and the nature of maximal compression. Some guidance is offered through analogies, prompting further reflection on the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the position and behavior of the block at maximal compression, indicating a need for clarification on the physical principles at play.

astrololo
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Homework Statement



A bloc of 0,2 kg is attached to a spring on a horizontal surface with no friction. (The other side of the spring is attached to a wall, so it doesn't move) The spring constant is 5 N/m. If we pull on the spring, we move it by 0,12 m from its natural position and we let it go after that (It has an initial speed of 0 m/s) What is the speed when we have a maximal compression

Homework Equations


U=1/2*k*e^2
Kf+Uf=Ki+Ui

The Attempt at a Solution



I get the following equation : 0,2v^2 + 5e^2 = 0,072

I don't know what is the maximal compression !
 
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astrololo said:

Homework Statement



A bloc of 0,2 kg is attached to a spring on a horizontal surface with no friction. (The other side of the spring is attached to a wall, so it doesn't move) The spring constant is 5 N/m. If we pull on the spring, we move it by 0,12 m from its natural position and we let it go after that (It has an initial speed of 0 m/s) What is the speed when we have a maximal compression

Homework Equations


U=1/2*k*e^2
Kf+Uf=Ki+Ui

The Attempt at a Solution



I get the following equation : 0,2v^2 + 5e^2 = 0,072

I don't know what is the maximal compression !
If the compression is maximal, how much more compression can there be? :wink:
 
gneill said:
If the compression is maximal, how much more compression can there be? :wink:
Well 0...
 
astrololo said:
Well 0...
Right. So in that instant, what is the block doing? Can it continue to move to compress the spring?
 
gneill said:
Right. So in that instant, what is the block doing? Can it continue to move to compress the spring?
At that moment, the spring is pushing against the bloc to the right. I just don't know what is the position at the maximum. I know tha tmy natural position is 0.
 
astrololo said:
At that moment, the spring is pushing against the bloc to the right.
Yes, but what is the block doing in that instant?
 
gneill said:
Yes, but what is the block doing in that instant?
Ehhhhh... I think it has something do with speed ?
 
astrololo said:
Ehhhhh... I think it has something do with speed ?
Yes. Think it through. The block moves, compressing the spring until it can't compress it any further. That's maximal compression. So the block's speed at that instant is...?
 
gneill said:
Yes. Think it through. The block moves, compressing the spring until it can't compress it any further. That's maximal compression. So the block's speed at that instant is...?
It's 0 ? But I don't understand why...
 
  • #10
astrololo said:
It's 0 ? But I don't understand why...
Okay, here's an analogy. You throw a ball straight up in the air. What is the speed of the ball when it reaches is maximal height?
 
  • #11
gneill said:
Okay, here's an analogy. You throw a ball straight up in the air. What is the speed of the ball when it reaches is maximal height?
Its gooing to be 0 because the ball needs negative speed to go down.
 
  • #12
So when the block reaches the maximal compression of the spring...
 
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  • #13
gneill said:
So when the block reaches the maximal compression of the spring...
OH LOL ! WHen its at the maximum it doesn't move anymore ! I guess that me and my brain who are tired today ! thank you!
 

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