Spring launched box sliding over friction surface

In summary, the problem involves a block with mass m = 14 kg that is initially compressed a distance x_1 = 0.546 m from the spring's unstretched length. The block is accelerated by a spring with spring constant k = 4085 N/m, on a frictionless table. However, the floor has a rough patch with a coefficient of friction μ = 0.43 and a length of d = 2.6 m. The spring is then released and only stretches a distance x_2 = 0.162 m. The question asks for the distance the block will slide into the rough patch before coming to rest. To solve this, one can use the conservation of energy principle to find the initial velocity
  • #1
Yae Miteo
41
0

Homework Statement



A block with mass m = 14 kg rests on a frictionless table and is accelerated by a spring with spring constant k = 4085 N/m after being compressed a distance x_1 = 0.546 m from the spring’s unstretched length. The floor is frictionless except for a rough patch a distance d = 2.6 m long. For this rough path, the coefficient of friction is μ = 0.43.

(This is one part of a multi-part problem. The current part is part 5.)

Instead, the spring is only stretched a distance x_2 = 0.162 m before being released.
How far into the rough patch does the block slide before coming to rest?

Homework Equations



[tex]F=-\int kxdx[/tex]

[tex]v^2 = v_o^2 + 2ax [/tex]

[tex]F=ma[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



using
[tex]v^2 = v_o^2 + 2ax[/tex]
solve for x
[tex]x = -\cfrac{mv_o^2}{2(F-f)}[/tex]
plug in F
[tex]x = \cfrac {mv_o^2}{2(k \int xdx - mg \mu)}[/tex]
but I'm not sure where to go from here.
 
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  • #2
I think you should use conservation of energy.
Firstly potential energy of spring will get converted into kinetic energy.From this you can find initial velocity of the block (velocity after leaving the spring).Then use equations of motion to find the answer.
After leaving the spring what will be the acceleration of the block?
 
  • #3
Presumably the rough patch lies beyond the maximum extension of the spring+length of the box.
To proceed - you should explicitly state your reasoning: what is your strategy?
i.e. where does the force F come from? If it comes from the spring: consider - is the spring still pushing on the crate when there is friction?

Have you tried using a work-energy type argument?
(Satvik is suggesting the long way around ... where does the energy of the spring finally end up?)
 

1. What is a "spring launched box sliding over friction surface"?

A "spring launched box sliding over friction surface" refers to a physical scenario where a box is initially stationary on a surface with friction and is then launched by a spring, causing it to slide across the surface.

2. What factors affect the motion of the box in this scenario?

The motion of the box in this scenario is affected by the properties of the spring, such as its spring constant and the force applied to it, as well as the surface's coefficient of friction and the mass of the box.

3. How does the spring launch affect the box's motion compared to if it was just pushed by a force?

The spring launch adds an additional force to the box, resulting in a more rapid and forceful motion compared to if it was just pushed by a constant force. This is because the spring has potential energy that is transferred to the box as kinetic energy.

4. Is there a maximum distance the box can slide on the surface?

Yes, there is a maximum distance the box can slide on the surface. This is determined by the initial conditions of the spring and the surface's coefficient of friction. Once the box's kinetic energy is depleted, it will come to a stop.

5. How can this scenario be applied in real-life situations?

This scenario can be applied in real-life situations, such as in the design of toys or machines that use springs to launch objects. It can also be used in physics experiments to study the effects of different surface materials and spring properties on the motion of an object.

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