- #1
jtw2e
- 27
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Spring compression -- Conservation of Energy
So far I'm only working on part A. I didn't know whether to create separate posts for each part I had trouble with or just put the whole thing in one post.
KE = 1/2mv^2
PE = mgh
Uelas = 1/2kx^2
Narrowed full CoE equation down to:
K0 = Ugrav2 + Uelas2
As the example in our text, I set my datum at the point where the block just comes into contact with the springs but has not yet compressed them. My point 2 is the lowest point the block reaches.
Used quadratic equation to solve for height (mgh2)which should also equal x if I understand this correctly.
Got x = 0.130m or -0.332m BOTH were wrong.
Please help, I've been at this for 2 hours and I have a freaking long way to go (working ahead...have to start days ahead of the others just to keep up b/c I'm a moron).
Homework Statement
So far I'm only working on part A. I didn't know whether to create separate posts for each part I had trouble with or just put the whole thing in one post.
Homework Equations
KE = 1/2mv^2
PE = mgh
Uelas = 1/2kx^2
The Attempt at a Solution
Narrowed full CoE equation down to:
K0 = Ugrav2 + Uelas2
As the example in our text, I set my datum at the point where the block just comes into contact with the springs but has not yet compressed them. My point 2 is the lowest point the block reaches.
Used quadratic equation to solve for height (mgh2)which should also equal x if I understand this correctly.
Got x = 0.130m or -0.332m BOTH were wrong.
Please help, I've been at this for 2 hours and I have a freaking long way to go (working ahead...have to start days ahead of the others just to keep up b/c I'm a moron).