Spring acting on an object (dynamics)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a dynamics scenario where a box is acted upon by a spring and friction on a horizontal plane. The box has a mass of 12 kg and is initially at rest, compressed by a spring with a hardness coefficient of 800 N/m. The task is to calculate the velocity of the box at a certain point and the distance it travels before stopping.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss energy conservation principles, including the conversion of elastic potential energy from the spring to kinetic energy of the box, while also accounting for work done against friction.
  • Some participants question the application of formulas and the relationships between kinetic energy, elastic energy, and work done by friction.
  • There are attempts to clarify the derivation of energy formulas and their application to the problem.
  • Participants express confusion regarding the correct interpretation of energy loss due to friction and how it affects the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of energy conservation and friction's role in the problem. Some have provided insights into the energy formulas, while others are still grappling with the concepts and calculations involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of using multiple formulas step by step and the challenge of tracking the calculations. There is also mention of a time constraint due to impending exams, which may affect the depth of exploration in the discussion.

  • #61
Why do ideal springs stop at xf = 0? We have friction in this problem, does that mean it really doesn't stop at xf = 0, but xf < 0?
 
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  • #62
Femme you have a lot of interesting physics problems. I want your book lol
 
  • #63
flyingpig said:
Why do ideal springs stop at xf = 0? We have friction in this problem, does that mean it really doesn't stop at xf = 0, but xf < 0?

Yes, you're right. :)
If the block is stopped by friction before xf = 0, then we will have xf < 0.
That's what you get for things not being ideal (since the problem is not "frictionless")! ;)
 
  • #64
Is that also true for vertical springs?