What is the Velocity of a Block Released from a Compressed Spring?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block released from a compressed spring, focusing on the relationship between potential energy stored in the spring and the kinetic energy of the block. The subject area is primarily mechanics, specifically energy conservation principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of energy and potential energy calculations related to the spring. There are attempts to derive the block's velocity using energy principles, with some questioning the correctness of the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using conservation of energy concepts, while others are exploring different interpretations of the calculations. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the velocity calculation, but the discussion is actively engaging with the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for discussion. There is an emphasis on understanding the energy transformations involved in the scenario.

PattyCake
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A 1.2 kg block is held against a spring of force constant 1.0 x 10^4 N/m, compressing it a distance of 0.15m. How fast is the block moving after it is released and the spring pushes it away?
 
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think about conservation of energy, and the potential energy stored in the spring before release
 
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i know that k=1.0 x 10^4
x(final)=-0.15
x(initial)=0
work=1/2kx^2= -112.5

but i don't know how to find the velocity

i tried using v^2=k/m (x^2)
and received 13.69m/s
 
Do you think that's wrong?
You solved for v. v is the velocity. well technically the speed here, but I'd assume that's what your teacher meant.
 
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Looks good, average force seems to satisfy.
 

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