Work done by force acting on a spring

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the work done by forces acting on a mass-spring system, specifically focusing on the forces exerted by a wall and the spring itself. It is established that the work done by the wall (force E) is zero due to the wall's lack of displacement, while the spring does perform work on the mass (force D) as it oscillates. The net work done on the spring is also zero when considering the opposing forces acting on it, leading to a deeper examination of the definitions of work and force in relation to displacement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of force and work
  • Knowledge of oscillatory motion in mass-spring systems
  • Ability to interpret free body diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between force and displacement in oscillatory systems
  • Learn about the work-energy theorem in the context of springs
  • Explore the implications of non-rigid body dynamics in physics
  • Investigate the mathematical formulation of work done by variable forces
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of oscillatory systems and the principles of work and energy in relation to forces acting on springs.

  • #31
Studiot said:
Do you think that the change in position of the mass results in a change in its potential energy, because the spring is then extended?
I thought you disconnected the spring.
 
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  • #32
Sorry if the lines of thought were disconnected.

This is back to the original setup.

Force F is applied to draw back the mass attached to the spring to s1 and

1) Held in position.

2) Then it is released (F is removed)

Do you think the mass has gained potential energy as a result in (1) and (if so) does it still possesses this energy at the moment of release of F or just after (2) ?
 
  • #33
Studiot said:
Do you think the mass has gained potential energy as a result in (1) and (if so) does it still possesses this energy at the moment of release of F or just after (2) ?
The system has gained spring potential energy. And that potential energy depends only on the amount the spring is stretched from its equilibrium position.

So: Yes, the system has PE when it is held in position (1) and immediately after the force F is removed (2).
 
  • #34
As soon as the spring is stretched it exerts a pull on the mass, which will move the mass if we let go.

What is the difference between that pull and the pull on the mass due to gravity, which would draw it down if we removed the table?
 
  • #35
Studiot said:
As soon as the spring is stretched it exerts a pull on the mass, which will move the mass if we let go.
Sure.
What is the difference between that pull and the pull on the mass due to gravity, which would draw it down if we removed the table?
What point are you trying to make? (You're losing me.)
 
  • #36
The objective is an energy balance or accounting.

(It's not a trick 'onest guv)

I'm merely observing that we can (I think) say that the mass has potential energy due to the elastic energy stored in the spring and thereofe the pull exerted by the spring.

This is eventually transferred to the mass as kinetic energy when it oscillates and forms the energy of the oscillation ie that which is transferred back and fore between KE and PE.

I want to end up by observing that the force F does work on the mass, which in turn does work on the spring when pulled out so the net energy of the mass does not increase when it has reached a stop at the maximum s1
 
  • #37
Studiot said:
The objective is an energy balance or accounting.

(It's not a trick 'onest guv)

I'm merely observing that we can (I think) say that the mass has potential energy due to the elastic energy stored in the spring and thereofe the pull exerted by the spring.

This is eventually transferred to the mass as kinetic energy when it oscillates and forms the energy of the oscillation ie that which is transferred back and fore between KE and PE.

I want to end up by observing that the force F does work on the mass, which in turn does work on the spring when pulled out so the net energy of the mass does not increase when it has reached a stop at the maximum s1
I prefer to say that the system (really the spring) has potential energy, not just the mass. (For the same reason I think it is misleading to talk about the gravitational PE of a mass--it's really the PE of the mass-earth system.)

The force F does work on the system. The mass essentially transmits the force to the spring, which gets spring PE as it is stretched. When the mass is allowed to oscillate, the spring and mass exchange energy.

I don't see the issue. (Or how it relates to the OP's concern.)
 
  • #38
it's really the PE of the mass-earth system.)

Yes that's true enough.
Thanks for your patience.
 

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