The discussion revolves around the dynamics of spring-coupled masses, focusing on potential and kinetic energy calculations associated with the system. Participants are exploring the relationships between the variables involved in the energy expressions.
Some participants have expressed understanding of the concepts discussed, while others are still seeking clarification on specific energy formulations. There is an indication that guidance has been provided, but no consensus has been reached on the correct expressions.
There appears to be some confusion regarding the completeness of the original question and the responses, leading to discussions about the clarity and presentation of information in the thread.
What matters is how much each spring is stretched (or compressed). So the total spring potential energy is given by your second expression. (This is explained on the page that you linked.)*best&sweetest* said:Is it true that the potential energy U is just the sum of 0.5kx_i^2 with i going from zero to 4, or is it that U = 0.5 k x_1^2 + 0.5 k (x_2 - x_1)^2 + 0.5 k (x_3 - x_2)^2 + 0.5 k x_4^2?
That's it.I'm equally confused with the kinetic energy...is it just
K = \Sigma (\frac{1}{2} mv_i^2)?
*best&sweetest* said:Thanks, Doc Al... I think I understand it now!
Shooting star said:There's a first time for everything. That's a tautology almost. But this type of reply, by editing the very first post, is a first for me in the forum. The answer is left hanging with part of the query missing. I can't but help ask why?