Spring Force and kinetic energy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a mass-spring system, specifically focusing on calculating the kinetic energy of a mass attached to a spring at its maximum velocity. The mass is 0.0109 kg, and the spring has a force constant of 1.34 N/m, with the mass oscillating 3.49 cm above and below its equilibrium position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various equations related to kinetic energy and potential energy in the context of spring motion. There is confusion regarding the correct formulation of these equations, particularly the use of mass and constants. Some participants question the validity of the equations being used and suggest looking up relevant laws and definitions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and prompting each other to revisit fundamental concepts related to spring forces and energy conservation. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet, but some guidance has been offered regarding potential energy and kinetic energy relationships.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through potential misunderstandings of the equations involved, including the correct application of constants and variables. There is an acknowledgment of homework constraints and the need for clarity in the problem setup.

CMATT
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A novelty clock has a 0.0109 kg mass object bouncing on a spring that has a force constant of 1.34 N/m.

How many joules of kinetic energy does the object have at its maximum velocity if the object bounces 3.49 cm above and below its equilibrium position?
 
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CMATT said:
A novelty clock has a 0.0109 kg mass object bouncing on a spring that has a force constant of 1.34 N/m.

How many joules of kinetic energy does the object have at its maximum velocity if the object bounces 3.49 cm above and below its equilibrium position?
This sounds like a homework question.
 
haruspex said:
This sounds like a homework question.
It is, I think I put it in the homework forum, I didn't know that was a thing until after I posted this
 
CMATT said:
A novelty clock has a 0.0109 kg mass object bouncing on a spring that has a force constant of 1.34 N/m.

How many joules of kinetic energy does the object have at its maximum velocity if the object bounces 3.49 cm above and below its equilibrium position?

Ive done (.05)(force constant)(mass)^2 and I still haven't gotten the correct answer.
Anyone know how to get it?! Please show me :(
 
CMATT said:
Ive done (.05)(force constant)(mass)^2 and I still haven't gotten the correct answer.
Anyone know how to get it?! Please show me :(
Mass2? Where did that come from? This is not gravitational attraction.
 
haruspex said:
Mass2? Where did that come from? This is not gravitational attraction.

(.05)(k)(m)^2 isn't an equation? first I was doing (.05)(k)(m), got it wrong, and then my friend said to square the mass, however it is still wrong
 
CMATT said:
(.05)(k)(m)^2 isn't an equation? first I was doing (.05)(k)(m), got it wrong, and then my friend said to square the mass, however it is still wrong
Oh dear.
Look up your notes, or some websites. What is the law for the force in a stretched (or compressed) spring? What is the equation for the potential energy?
 
haruspex said:
Oh dear.
Look up your notes, or some websites. What is the law for the force in a stretched (or compressed) spring? What is the equation for the potential energy?

I know KE = (.05)(m)(v)^2
KE = (.05)(m)(v)^2 +mgh

Spring PE = (.05)(k)(x)^2
x: the distance?
k: force constant
 
CMATT said:
I know KE = (.05)(m)(v)^2
KE = (.05)(m)(v)^2 +mgh

Spring PE = (.05)(k)(x)^2
x: the distance?
k: force constant
Yes, much better.
Suppose that the spring extension is A at the equilibrium position, and the amplitude of oscillation is A (=3.49cm, but keep all the working symbolic for now).
What will be conserved as the mass rises from its lowest point to the equilibrium position? Can you write that as an equation?
 
  • #10
Those are probably just typos but you need to fix (.05) to (0.5) in both equations.
 
  • #11
gmax137 said:
Those are probably just typos but you need to fix (.05) to (0.5) in both equations.
Well spotted.
 

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