Spring Constants problem at the High School level

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around applying the principles of energy conservation in a spring-mass system, specifically transitioning from spring potential energy to kinetic energy. Participants clarify that the formula for kinetic energy is 1/2 mv^2 and emphasize the importance of understanding how to calculate the speed of the ball using this formula. Questions are raised about the energy stored in the spring at different compression levels and how to determine the changes in energy as the spring moves. The concept of mechanical energy conservation is highlighted, suggesting that kinetic and potential energy at one point must equal the kinetic and potential energy at another. Overall, the dialogue stresses the need for a clear understanding of energy transformations in physics problems.
jamesgunn
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Homework Statement
A 200N/m spring is compressed 4cm and is used to launch a 0.2kg ball horizontally. How fast is the ball going when the spring has moved 3cm? How fast does the ball leave the cannon?
Relevant Equations
1/2 kx^2=mgh ?
1/2 kx^2 = mgh
 
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The spring energy goes to Kinetic Energy .
 
hutchphd said:
The spring energy goes to Kinetic Energy .
Does that mean I use the same formula? You lost me.
 
The question tells you the motion is horizontal. So what happens to the gravitational potential energy?

Do you you know the formula for kinetic energy?
 
Steve4Physics said:
The question tells you the motion is horizontal. So what happens to the gravitational potential energy?

Do you you know the formula for kinetic energy?
No, I could really use some help. I've been doing this problem for the past hour.
 
Kine
jamesgunn said:
No, I could really use some help. I've been doing this problem for the past hour.
Kinetic energy is ##\frac{1}{2}mv^2##
It's one of the most important formulae in basic physics!
 
Steve4Physics said:
Kine

Kinetic energy is ##\frac{1}{2}mv^2##
It's one of the most important formulae in basic physics!
Ok, I do know that actually. How do I apply this to get the speed for the ball though?
 
jamesgunn said:
Ok, I do know that actually. How do I apply this to get the speed for the ball though?
Q1.What is the energy stored in the spring when its compression = 4cm?

Q2. When the spring has moved 3cm, how big is its compression now? And how much energy is in the spring now?

Q3. What is the difference in the answers to Q1 and Q2? What has happened to some of the spring's energy?
 
You use mechanical energy conservation. You say kinetic + potential energy at point A is equal to kinetic + potential energy at point B. What points does it make sense to choose as A and B? Read the problem and see what you know and what you are looking for.
 
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@jamesgunn -- please show some effort, or you thread will be closed. Thank you.
 
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