Spring Constant of ping-pong ball

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the spring constant of a spring when a ping-pong ball is placed on it and released after being compressed. The context includes concepts from mechanics, specifically relating to springs and energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the formula for the spring constant based on force and displacement but questions its correctness. Some participants suggest considering conservation of energy as a potential approach to the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different methods to analyze the problem, with some guidance offered regarding the conservation of energy. There is an ongoing inquiry into how to apply this principle effectively to the situation presented.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses confusion about applying the conservation of energy to the problem, indicating a potential gap in understanding the relationship between energy states and the spring's behavior.

brncsfns5621
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A ping-pong ball weighs 2.5x10^-2N. The ball is placed inside a cup that sits on top of a vertical spring. If the spring is compressed .055m and released, the maximum height above the compressed position that the ball reaches is 2.84m. Neglect air resistance and determine the spring constant.

F= kx => k= F/x (k being the spring constant)

k = 2.5x10^-2 / (2.84 -.055)
= 2.5x10^-2 / 2.745
= .009

This is not the correct answer. Am I using the right formula for the Spring Constant?
 
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One should probably consider conservation of energy here.
 
The conservation of energy states that the total of all energies before the process is equal to the total energies after the process.

Forgive me, but I am not understanding how to apply that to this problem. :(
 
Write expressions for initial and final energy.
 

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