Spring Energy Problem Conservative forces

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a spring attached to a ceiling with a mass that stretches the spring to an equilibrium length. Participants are exploring the spring constant, the speed of the mass at equilibrium, and the length of the spring when the mass reaches its lowest point.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the spring constant using the formula k=mg/x and explore energy conservation principles to find the speed of the mass and the spring length at the lowest point.
  • Some participants question the assumptions made regarding the energy states and the definitions of variables such as height and extension.
  • There is a focus on correctly identifying the conditions for E1 and E2 in the energy equations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, attempting to clarify their understanding of energy conservation and the relationships between variables. Some have provided guidance on how to redefine the energy states for better clarity, while others are working through the implications of their assumptions.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the definitions of height and extension in relation to the spring's behavior, as well as the implications of setting certain variables to zero. Participants are also navigating the constraints of the problem as posed in a homework context.

GenericHbomb
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Homework Statement


A spring is attached to a ceiling, and has a relaxed length of 25cm. When a mass m=.80kg is attached to the spring it stretches to an equilibrium length of L0=34cm.
a.)Find the Spring Constant of the Spring?

b.)I lift the mass until the spring returns to its relaxed length, and then release it. When the mass returns to the equilibrium length, what is its speed?

c.)After I release the mass and it falls, what is the length of the spring when the mass reaches its lowest point?

Homework Equations


K=mg/x

E1 + Wnc = E2

The Attempt at a Solution



A.) k=mg/x
k= [.80(9.8)]/.09
k=87 N/m

b.) E1= E2
0=.5mv2 + .5kx2 +mgh
0=.5(.8)v2 + .5(87)(.092) + .8(9.8)(-.09)
v=.9397 m/s

c.) I am not really sure where to go on C. I tried setting E1=E2 up as follows but my final answer was smaller than the equilibrium length so it can't be right.
E1=E2
.5mv2 + .5kx2 +mgh=.5mv2 + .5kx2 +mgh
.5(.8)(.93972)+.80(9.8)(34)= .5(87)x2
 
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GenericHbomb said:
c.) I am not really sure where to go on C. I tried setting E1=E2 up as follows but my final answer was smaller than the equilibrium length so it can't be right.
E1=E2
.5mv2 + .5kx2 +mgh=.5mv2 + .5kx2 +mgh
.5(.8)(.93972)+.80(9.8)(34)= .5(87)x2

Let us not take the E1 and E2 you have chosen
let E1 is the E1 in (b) ie when mass is in your hands

and let E2 be condition when mass is at lowest point

now try the question again
 
So if I set E1 to be when the spring is at the relaxed length then E1=0
E2 is lowest point so velocity would be zero since it stopped moving
E1=E2
0= .5mv2 + .5kx2 +mgh
0=.5(.80)(0)+ .5(87)(x)2+ (.8)(9.8)(h)
I know I need to solve for x because that is spring length but I am not sure what to put for h.
If I assume h to be 0 then my final answer would be 0.
 
x is the extension in string ...

h is height decreased

what can be relation b/w them
try by making a diagram
 
So I made a diagram and thank you for reminding that x is extension not length.
We are starting from x=0 and ending at x=?
Since h can be whatever I want I made h=0 where x=0
Therefore x=-h
So
0=.5(.80)(0)+.5(87)(x2)-.8(9.8)(x)
x=0, .18023
Length at lowest point = x + length at E1
Length= .25 + .18023
Length= .43 meters?
 

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