Using Energy Conservation to solve this problem: Jumping on a spring scale

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving energy conservation related to jumping on a spring scale, specifically analyzing the relationship between gravitational potential energy and spring compression. The participants are examining the equations that describe the system and the discrepancies found in a solution manual.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive the relationship between gravitational potential energy and spring compression, questioning the equations provided in the solution manual. There is a focus on algebraic manipulation of the equations and the implications of the signs in the equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying their algebraic steps and addressing potential errors in the solution manual. Some participants have acknowledged corrections and are exploring the implications of their findings.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of limitations regarding the ability to test the scenario due to the capacity of the scales available to the participants. Additionally, there are references to potential typing errors in the equations presented.

r12214001
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Homework Statement
my cal:760(1+X)=0.5kX²
Relevant Equations
760(1+X)=0.5kX²
I suppose spring compression to be X when jumpping from 1m. Therefore gravational potential mgh=760(1+X) and my cal:760(1+X)=0.5kX²
why the solution manual state that 760=0.5kX²+760X

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r12214001 said:
I suppose spring compression to be X when jumpping from 1m. Therefore gravational potential mgh=760(1+X) and my cal:760(1+X)=0.5kX²
why the solution manual state that 760=0.5kX²-760X
Algebra.

Start with$$760(1+X)=0.5kX^2$$ and subtract ##760X## from both sides to get $$760(1+X)-760X=0.5kX^2-760X$$Now on the left hand side notice that you can cancel that 760X and get $$760=0.5kX^2-760X$$
 
jbriggs444 said:
Algebra.

Start with$$760(1+X)=0.5kX^2$$ and subtract ##760X## from both sides to get $$760(1+X)-760X=0.5kX^2-760X$$Now on the left hand side notice that you can cancel that 760X and get $$760=0.5kX^2-760X$$
typing error
solution manual state that 760=0.5kX²+760X
 
r12214001 said:
typing error
solution manual state that 760=0.5kX²+760X
The solution manual took ##X## to be negative.
 
PS my bathroom scales only go up to about ##150kg## or ##1,500N##. I'm not able to test this out.
 
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PeroK said:
PS my bathroom scales only go up to about ##150kg## or ##1,500N##. I'm not able to test this out.
OK i didnt notice that. thanks for correction
 

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