How Is Maximum Elongation Calculated in a Spring System?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the maximum elongation of a spring system involving a 2-kg block and a spring with a spring constant of 200 N/m. The initial approach suggests using the equation 1/2kx² = 1/2mv² to find maximum elongation, leading to a calculation of 0.5 m. However, participants express confusion, noting that the correct answer should be 5 m, indicating a possible typo in the problem statement. The conversation highlights the importance of verifying calculations and understanding the principles behind spring dynamics.
MathewsMD
Messages
430
Reaction score
7
A 2-kg block is attached to a horizonal ideal spring with a spring constant of 200 N/m. When the spring has its equilibrium length the block is given a speed of 5 m/s. What is the maximum elongation of the spring?

Is not the solution simply:

1/2kx2 = 1/2mv2

x = (mv2/k)0.5

x = 0.5 m?

That is incorrect, though.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Looks correct to me.
 
Me too.
 
The answer was 5m...probably a typo, just wanted to confirm.

Thanks.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »

Similar threads

Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
Replies
17
Views
2K
Why can we move the spring with constant speed when we apply a force?
Replies
29
Views
2K
A block dropping onto a spring system
2
Replies
58
Views
2K
Difficulty in deciding when to apply work energy theorem
Replies
2
Views
1K
Energy stored in a double spring system
Replies
17
Views
1K
A rocket on a spring, related to potential/kinetic energy
Replies
3
Views
2K
Springs and Pulleys - Force analysis
Replies
18
Views
1K
Find elastic energy in the compressed spring.
Replies
12
Views
3K
Question about springs and rotational/translational energy
Replies
4
Views
1K
Time period of SHM & Energy conservation in pulley-spring-block system
Replies
24
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top