Solving a Spring Compression Puzzle: Work Done by Gravity

In summary, a 250g block is dropped onto a vertical spring with a spring constant of 2.5N/cm. The block compresses the spring by 12 cm before stopping momentarily. The work done on the block by the gravitational forces is equal to the work done on the block by the spring, which can be calculated using the formula Ws = -0.5k(x^2). The usual definition of work is the transfer of energy to or from an object via a force acting on it, with energy transferred away from the object being negative and energy transferred to the object being positive.
  • #1
suspenc3
402
0
Spring Question!

A 250g block is dropped onto a relaxed vertical spring that has a spring constant of 2.5N/cm. The block becomes attached to the spring compresses the spring 12 cm before momentarily stoppoing.
While the spring is being compressed, what work is done on the block by
(a)The gravitational forces on it?

Can anyone tell me where to start?
 
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  • #2
(b)what work is done on the block by the spring?

is it this simple:

Ws = -0.5k(x^2)

Ws = -0.018 Joules

?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
shouldn't the work done by gravity equal the work done by the spring?

What is the usual definition of work?
 
  • #4
energy transferred to or from an object via a force acting on the object. energy transferred from the object is negative..energy transferred to the object is positive.

Ok..So is my answer Correct
?
 
  • #5
??
Anyone??
 

1. What is a spring compression puzzle?

A spring compression puzzle is a type of mechanical puzzle that involves a spring being compressed between two fixed points. The goal of the puzzle is to determine the amount of work done by gravity on the spring, which is dependent on the distance the spring is compressed and its spring constant.

2. How is work done by gravity calculated in a spring compression puzzle?

The work done by gravity on a spring is calculated using the formula W = 1/2kx2, where W is the work done, k is the spring constant, and x is the distance the spring is compressed. This formula is derived from the equation for potential energy, U = 1/2kx2, and the definition of work, W = ΔU.

3. What is the relationship between the distance the spring is compressed and the work done by gravity?

The work done by gravity is directly proportional to the distance the spring is compressed. This means that as the distance the spring is compressed increases, the work done by gravity also increases. This relationship is reflected in the formula W = 1/2kx2, where x is the distance the spring is compressed.

4. How does the spring constant affect the work done by gravity in a spring compression puzzle?

The spring constant, k, is a measure of the stiffness of a spring. In a spring compression puzzle, a higher spring constant means that more work is required to compress the spring to a certain distance. Therefore, a higher spring constant will result in a higher amount of work done by gravity on the spring.

5. Are there any real-life applications of spring compression puzzles and the concept of work done by gravity?

Yes, there are many real-life applications of spring compression puzzles and the concept of work done by gravity. Some examples include the design of springs for mechanical devices such as shock absorbers and door hinges, as well as calculating the potential energy of objects in physics and engineering problems.

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