Spring potential energy equation for conservation of energy

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
Sign up Log in
1 reply · 3K views
I_LoveCasey!
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Super quick question on spring and energy conservation!

Homework Statement


What does conservation of energy in equation form look like for spring?


Homework Equations



i know that [delta]K= k-k0
i know that [delta]Ug=mgh-mgh0

idk on [delta]Us= ...

The s,g stand for subscripts

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought that Us=1/2Kx^2 but it's not right
 

Discussion

Physics news on Phys.org


Hi I_LoveCasey!,

I_LoveCasey! said:

Homework Statement


What does conservation of energy in equation form look like for spring?


Homework Equations



i know that [delta]K= k-k0
i know that [delta]Ug=mgh-mgh0

idk on [delta]Us= ...

The s,g stand for subscripts

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought that Us=1/2Kx^2 but it's not right

That is the formula for the potential energy of a spring. So if the spring displacement goes from x0 to x, what is the change in the springs potential energy?

(Do the same kind of thing that you did for the gravitational potential energy--the formula for gravitational potential energy is Ug=mgh, and so the change is the two terms that you have in your post.)