Spring problem on work and force

In summary, a 0.4 kg mass compresses a spring with a spring constant of 400 N/m by 0.2m. When the mass is released, it gains kinetic energy while the spring loses elastic potential energy. If the mass is then released at the bottom of a 0.5m hill, its speed can be determined using the equations for potential and kinetic energy.
  • #1
brnnpink4
10
0

Homework Statement



a .4 kg mass compresses a spring of .2m. The spring constant is 400n/m How fast is the mass moving after the mass is released and the spring uncompresses? If the mass is going up a .5m hill, how fast is it going?



Homework Equations



PE+KE=w

PE=mgh

KE=.5mv^2




The Attempt at a Solution



PE=.5(9.8)(x)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
To find how fast its moving right after the spring decompresses, use energy conservation. Elastic potential energy is lost, and kinetic energy is gained.

You'll have to clarify the second part -- is the hill 0.5m high? Do you mean how fast is it going at the top?
 
  • #3
The hill is .5m high
 

1. How does a spring store energy?

A spring stores energy by deforming when a force is applied to it. As the spring is stretched or compressed, it gains potential energy, which can be released when the force is removed.

2. What is Hooke's Law and how is it related to springs?

Hooke's Law states that the force required to stretch or compress a spring is directly proportional to the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position. This means that the more a spring is stretched or compressed, the greater the force it exerts.

3. What factors affect the amount of work done on a spring?

The amount of work done on a spring depends on the force applied to it, the distance the spring is stretched or compressed, and the spring's stiffness (also known as its spring constant). A stiffer spring will require more force to stretch or compress, resulting in more work being done.

4. How does the work done on a spring affect its potential energy?

The work done on a spring is directly related to the change in potential energy of the spring. When work is done on a spring, its potential energy increases. Similarly, when work is done by a spring (i.e. the spring is released and returns to its equilibrium position), its potential energy decreases.

5. Can the work done on a spring ever be negative?

Yes, the work done on a spring can be negative if the force applied to the spring is in the opposite direction of the displacement. This means that the spring is being compressed while a force is pulling on it, or stretched while a force is pushing on it. In this case, the spring is doing work on the external force, and its potential energy decreases.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
729
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
24
Views
892
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
29
Views
823
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
865
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
30
Views
741
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
673
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
Back
Top