The discussion revolves around a problem involving spring constants and energy transformations, specifically focusing on the relationship between spring potential energy and kinetic energy in a horizontal motion context.
Some participants have provided guidance on using mechanical energy conservation principles, while others express confusion about applying the formulas to find speed and energy differences. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored without explicit consensus.
Participants note the horizontal motion of the spring and the implications for gravitational potential energy, indicating a need for clarification on how this affects the problem setup. There is also a mention of a time constraint, as one participant has been working on the problem for an extended period.
Does that mean I use the same formula? You lost me.hutchphd said:The spring energy goes to Kinetic Energy .
No, I could really use some help. I've been doing this problem for the past hour.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?
Kinetic energy is ##\frac{1}{2}mv^2##jamesgunn said:No, I could really use some help. I've been doing this problem for the past hour.
Ok, I do know that actually. How do I apply this to get the speed for the ball though?Steve4Physics said:Kine
Kinetic energy is ##\frac{1}{2}mv^2##
It's one of the most important formulae in basic physics!
Q1.What is the energy stored in the spring when its compression = 4cm?jamesgunn said:Ok, I do know that actually. How do I apply this to get the speed for the ball though?