Why is my solution to finding the spring constant incorrect?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the spring constant in a scenario involving a falling block and a platform. The original poster presents their approach to the problem, which includes various variables and equations related to the motion of the block and the spring's behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to establish a system of equations to find the spring constant but questions the validity of their approach. Some participants raise concerns about the interpretation of the problem, particularly regarding the phrase "eventually comes to rest" and its implications for the initial conditions of the block's drop.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem statement. Some suggest that the initial drop may not be relevant to the final equilibrium position, while others question the correctness of the original poster's calculations based on differing interpretations. There is no clear consensus on the intended meaning of the problem or the correctness of the solutions presented.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a solution found online that may differ from the original poster's calculations. The discussion highlights potential ambiguity in the problem statement and the assumptions that participants are making regarding the conditions of the spring and block.

LCSphysicist
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Homework Statement
A mass of 10 kg falls 50 cm onto the platform of a spring scale,
and sticks. The platform eventually comes to rest 10 cm below its initial
position. The mass of the platform is 2 kg. Find the spring constant.
Relevant Equations
All below
1593986570526.png

This is my scope of the question, i could think to solve it by two steps, but before, let's give name to the things.

X is positive down direction.
X = 0 at the initial position o the platform
Mass of the falling block is m1
Mass of the platform, m2
Spring constant k
Δx is the initial stretched length of the spring
h1 is the height of the block
h2 is the final distance (0,1m) of the origin
vb is the block speed
vc is the both bodies speed

vb² = 2gh1
m1*vb = (m1+m2)*vc
(m1+m2)*vc²/2 + kΔx²/2 = -(m1+m2)*g*|h2| + k(Δx + h2)²/2
Δx = m2*g/k

That is a system possible and determined, but why this is wrong?
I see we could apply kx before and in the final scenario, but why the first attempt is wrong?
 
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The question is not entirely clear. It says "eventually " comes to rest. That suggests it is at the new equilibrium position, so the initial drop is irrelevant.
You have interpreted it as "first" comes to rest. Under that view, your work looks correct to me. How do you know it is considered wrong? Do you get a numerical answer different from a given one? If so, what are the two numbers?
 
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haruspex said:
The question is not entirely clear. It says "eventually " comes to rest. That suggests it is at the new equilibrium position, so the initial drop is irrelevant.
You have interpreted it as "first" comes to rest. Under that view, your work looks correct to me. How do you know it is considered wrong? Do you get a numerical answer different from a given one? If so, what are the two numbers?
HI :D I have no a numerical answer, but there is this solution on the internet
1593994248437.png


I think this is correct too, since the question says that in both cases the spring is in rest. If this is right, i agree that my answer would need too, but solving leads to differing values.
 
LCSphysicist said:
i agree that my answer would need too, but solving leads to differing values.
I did not understand that part of your reply.

The solution you found on the net interprets the "eventually comes to rest" as meaning after oscillations have died down (due to damping). This makes the initial fall of the mass irrelevant; it could have been placed on the pan gently.
Of course this will give a different answer to the one you found.

Are you sure the answer on the net is the intended interpretation? Was it provided by the person who set the question?
 

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