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

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The discussion revolves around the calculations related to jumping on a spring scale and the resulting spring compression. The initial equation used is 760(1+X)=0.5kX², which leads to confusion regarding the solution manual's equation of 760=0.5kX²-760X. Participants clarify that by rearranging the original equation and canceling terms, the correct form can be derived. There is also mention of a potential typing error in the solution manual, which misrepresents the sign of X. The conversation highlights the importance of careful algebraic manipulation in solving physics problems.
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
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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