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

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The discussion centers on calculating the spring constant for a 0.2 kg block oscillating with a maximum speed of 0.5 m/s and a displacement of 40 cm. The kinetic energy at maximum speed is calculated to be 0.025 J, which is equal to the potential energy at maximum displacement. The participants clarify that when the block is at maximum speed, it is at the midpoint of its motion, where potential energy is zero, and at maximum displacement, potential energy is at its peak while kinetic energy is zero. The spring constant can be derived from the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in the spring-mass system. Understanding these energy transformations is key to solving for the spring constant.
  • #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?
 
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  • #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.
 
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  • #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!
 

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