Troubleshooting Mass & Spring Dynamics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on troubleshooting the dynamics of a mass on a spring, emphasizing the need to clarify the problem being solved. It distinguishes between two scenarios: dropping the mass to determine how far it sinks before rebounding, and gently placing it at a new equilibrium point. The first scenario requires a different approach than simply finding the equilibrium point, as the force equation only identifies this point, not the lowest position. To find the lowest point, energy conservation principles must be applied. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate problem-solving in mass and spring dynamics.
Arup Biswas
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Please tell me which one is wrong! When I put a mass M on one end of a spring!
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You need to state the problem. Are you dropping the mass and trying to find out how far it sinks down (before coming back up). Or are you gently placing the mass at its new equilibrium point? Two different problems!
 
The 1st one you assumed!
 
Realize that the force equation solution just finds the equilibrium point, which is not the lowest point. To solve for the lowest point, you'll use energy conservation.
 
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Thank you very much sir!
 
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