SOS: Pendulum and Spring Problems

In summary, the conversation is about solving various problems related to pendulums and springs. The first problem involves finding the amplitude of a pendulum given its mass, length, and swing arc. The second problem asks for the maximum kinetic energy of the pendulum. The third problem involves calculating the compression of a spring when a mass is dropped on it from a certain height. The fourth problem asks for the kinetic energy of the mass just before it hits the spring. The individual asking for help has provided some initial attempts at solving the problems.
  • #1
hydrophobicmermaid
1
0
I would be SOOO grateful if anyone could tell me how to accomplish these problems. My teacher has never gone over any of this, though I might be making it more complicated than need-be...


1) A pendulum has a mass of 2.6 kg, a length of 2.3 meters, and swings through a (half)arc of 16.8 degrees. What is its amplitude to the nearest centimeter?

2) To the nearest tenth of a Joule, what is its maximum kinetic energy of the pendulum in problem 1?

3) A mass of 2.1 kg is dropped from a height of 3.27 meters above a vertical spring anchored at its lower end to the floor. If the spring constant is 25 N/cm, how far, to the nearest tenth of a cm, is the spring compressed?

4) If the top of the spring in the preceding problem is 1.24 meters above the ground when the mass is released, what is the ball's kinetic energy, to the nearest Joule, just before the mass strikes the spring?


Thanks sooo much!
Sara
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What have you tried thus far?
 
  • #3
Some clue

1)[tex]x=R\theta[/tex]

2), 3) and 4) Using the conservation of energy.
 

1. What is a pendulum and spring problem?

A pendulum and spring problem refers to a type of physics problem that involves the motion of a pendulum or a spring. These problems typically involve finding the period, frequency, or amplitude of the motion, or solving for the forces acting on the object.

2. How do you solve a pendulum and spring problem?

To solve a pendulum and spring problem, you must first identify the variables involved, such as the length of the pendulum or the spring constant. Then, you can use equations such as Hooke's Law or the equation for the period of a pendulum to solve for the unknown quantities.

3. What is the difference between a simple pendulum and a compound pendulum?

A simple pendulum consists of a mass attached to a string or rod that is free to swing back and forth. A compound pendulum, on the other hand, is a rigid body that pivots around a point and has a mass distribution that affects its motion. The equations used to solve problems involving these two types of pendulums are different.

4. What factors affect the period of a pendulum or the motion of a spring?

The period of a pendulum is affected by the length of the pendulum, the acceleration due to gravity, and the amplitude of the swing. The motion of a spring is affected by the spring constant, the mass attached to the spring, and the amplitude of the motion.

5. What real-life applications are there for pendulum and spring problems?

Pendulum and spring problems have many real-life applications, such as in the design of clock pendulums, suspension systems for vehicles, and earthquake-resistant buildings. They are also used in measuring small forces, such as in medical devices or scientific instruments.

Similar threads

Shm , calculation of amplitude of spring mass system
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Determining the Spring Constant for a Pendulum with a Spring-Loaded Launcher
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Spring Force and kinetic energy
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
6K
Conservation of Energy of a Spring with Weight Added
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
Resonance between spring and pendulum: Different frequencies
    • Mechanics
Replies
4
Views
2K
Pendulum with Spring: Finding Position and Period
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
3K
Solving Spring Questions: 4.6 cm and 6.7 cm
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
5K
Elastic potential energy problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
3K
Maximum kinetic energy of a pendulum
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
7K
Spring from a ceiling problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
33
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top