SOS: Pendulum and Spring Problems

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving physics problems related to pendulums and springs. The first problem involves calculating the amplitude of a pendulum with a mass of 2.6 kg and a length of 2.3 meters, swinging through an arc of 16.8 degrees. The second problem requires determining the maximum kinetic energy of the pendulum, while the third problem involves a mass of 2.1 kg dropped onto a vertical spring with a spring constant of 25 N/cm, requiring the calculation of spring compression. The final problem asks for the kinetic energy of the mass just before it strikes the spring, with the spring positioned 1.24 meters above the ground.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pendulum motion and amplitude calculation
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy formulas and conservation of energy principles
  • Familiarity with spring mechanics and Hooke's Law
  • Ability to perform unit conversions, particularly between N/cm and N/m
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the formulas for pendulum amplitude and energy conservation
  • Learn about Hooke's Law and its application in spring mechanics
  • Explore the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy in mechanical systems
  • Practice solving similar problems involving pendulums and springs
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding pendulum and spring dynamics.

hydrophobicmermaid
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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
 
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What have you tried thus far?
 
Some clue

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

2), 3) and 4) Using the conservation of energy.[/color]
 

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