Spring Constant Calculation for a 0.2kg Bloc with 40cm Displacement

  • Thread starter Thread starter astrololo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Spring
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a block attached to a horizontal spring, focusing on the calculation of the spring constant. The block has a mass of 0.2 kg and oscillates with a maximum speed of 0.5 m/s and a displacement of 40 cm. Participants explore the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in the context of simple harmonic motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of kinetic energy to potential energy and the implications of energy conservation in oscillatory motion. Questions arise regarding the conditions at maximum and minimum speeds, the significance of displacement, and how to express energy equations correctly.

Discussion Status

Guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between kinetic and potential energy, with participants actively questioning their understanding of energy conservation principles. There is ongoing exploration of how to apply these concepts to the specific parameters of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the role of the 40 cm displacement in their calculations and the implications of the maximum speed occurring at the midpoint of the oscillation. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the conditions of the energy states involved.

  • #31
gneill said:
1.25 what? Always include units with results! Numerically it looks good, but if you submit a result to a marker without including the units you will be sure to lose marks!

In simple setups like simple harmonic motion the equilibrium position is in the center of the whole displacement. One could contrive situations where the spring constant changes over the range, but you're unlikely to come across such things in your present courses.
OK thank you ! Last question before we end this : Why do you think I blocked on this particular point ? Why would this happen ? Lack of knowledge in physics ? I guess this is my best bet... Also, did I bother you?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
astrololo said:
OK thank you ! Last question before we end this : Why do you think I blocked on this particular point ? Why would this happen ? Lack of knowledge in physics ? I guess this is my best bet... Also, did I bother you?
We all come across concepts that, for whatever reason, seem to be counter intuitive at first and take some time and brain sweat to resolve. Once the "Aha!" moment occurs and you get it it's usually smooth sailing from there with a bit of practice. Learning to write energy conservation equations for different situations in order to uncover some particular parameter is one of those things that requires a bit of practice.

And no, you didn't bother me :smile: I volunteer my time because I enjoy helping students. Students who persevere and continue to make an effort when things get tricky are never a problem.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: astrololo
  • #33
gneill said:
We all come across concepts that, for whatever reason, seem to be counter intuitive at first and take some time and brain sweat to resolve. Once the "Aha!" moment occurs and you get it it's usually smooth sailing from there with a bit of practice. Learning to write energy conservation equations for different situations in order to uncover some particular parameter is one of those things that requires a bit of practice.

And no, you didn't bother me :smile: I volunteer my time because I enjoy helping students. Students who persevere and continue to make an effort when things get tricky are never a problem.
To be honest, I didn't get the "Aha" moment because I just assumed that what you said is true. I mean, I did think of the possibility that the middle would be the "0" but I wasn't 100 % sure because there was no indication that this would be the case. In any case, the problems given are simple and of this type that I just did. I need to learn more physics in my free time. It's good to know there are people who are here to help others. Thank you!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K