Finding the Speeds of Objects in a Spring System

  • Thread starter Thread starter hannam
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Spring
Click For Summary
To find the speeds of objects A and B in a spring system, the conservation of energy principle is applied, using the formula W=1/2kx^2 to calculate the potential energy stored in the compressed spring. The user attempts to set up the equation 1/2kx^2=1/2mv1^2+1/2mv2^2 but struggles with the calculations, leading to confusion about the correct values for v1 and v2. For part b, the user needs to consider the center of mass concept to relate the speeds of the two objects after accounting for friction on the surface. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding energy conservation and the effects of friction in determining object speeds. Assistance is requested to clarify these concepts and solve the problem accurately.
hannam
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Object A (1 kg) and B (3 kg) are forced together,
initially compressing a spring S between them by 6 cm;
then the system is released from rest. The spring with
k=1250 N/m is not fastened to either block and drops to
the surface after it has expanded to its unstretched position.
a) By assuming frictionless surface, what are the speeds of objects after the spring has expanded
to its unstretched position?
b) Assume that the surface is frictional with s=k=0.1. If object B has speed of 0.2 m/s at 0.5 s
after the system is released from rest, what should the speed of object A be at this time instant?
(Hint: Consider “center of mass of a system” concep


Homework Equations



W=1/2kx^2
F=k.x
K=1/2mV^2

The Attempt at a Solution



i'm having trouble with this energy thing. i tried 1/2kx^2=1/2mv1^2+1/2mv2^2
i found 37,5=1/2v1^2 + 1/2v2^2
and i tried F=k.x=75 .
then used f=m.a formula both objects and found V1=3V2. so i solved equation but it seems all wrong.
can you help?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
and i have no idea what to do in part b :)
 
can anyone help ? :(
 
Thread 'Correct statement about size of wire to produce larger extension'
The answer is (B) but I don't really understand why. Based on formula of Young Modulus: $$x=\frac{FL}{AE}$$ The second wire made of the same material so it means they have same Young Modulus. Larger extension means larger value of ##x## so to get larger value of ##x## we can increase ##F## and ##L## and decrease ##A## I am not sure whether there is change in ##F## for first and second wire so I will just assume ##F## does not change. It leaves (B) and (C) as possible options so why is (C)...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K