Working on some old exam problems

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around several physics problems related to mechanics, specifically focusing on forces, work done by springs, and gravitational work in circular motion. Participants are exploring concepts such as force calculations, spring constants, and the work-energy theorem.

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  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are sharing their attempts at solving the problems, particularly focusing on the calculations for the spring force and the work done by gravity. Questions about the nature of the spring constant and its implications are also raised.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided partial solutions and expressed uncertainty about specific calculations. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of the work-energy theorem for certain problems, and there is an ongoing exploration of the implications of a negative spring constant.

Contextual Notes

Participants are encouraged to share their thought processes and specific difficulties, particularly with the last two problems involving circular motion and gravitational work. There is a noted lack of consensus on the correct approach for these problems.

eq123
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hey everyone .. I've been working on some old exam problems .. i couldn't figure these out :(

A 40-g bullet, with a horizontal velocity of 500 m/s, comes to a stop 20 cm within a solid wall. What is the magnitude of the force from the wall stopping it? (Assume this force to be constant) (Ans: 25000 N)

An ideal spring is hung vertically from the ceiling. When a 2.0-kg mass hangs at rest from it, the spring extends 6.0 cm from its relaxed length. A downward external force is now applied to the mass to extend the spring an additional 10 cm. Find the work done by the spring force while the spring extension changes from 6.0 cm to 16 cm. (Ans: – 3.6 J)

A body of mass M = 2.00 kg, tied to a string, rotates in a vertical circle of radius R = 1.00 m. Find the work done by the force of gravity on the body during one full revolution. (Ans: zero)

A man moves the 10-kg object shown in figure 6 in a vertical plane from position X to position Y along a circular track of radius R = 20 m. What is the work done by the force of gravity during this motion? (Ans: − 3920 J)
 
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thank you for your fast respond :)

i couldn't figure anything out for problems 1, 3, 4 :(

as for problem 2 .. this is what i did ..when relaxed

wnet = ws + wg = ∆k = 0
ws = -wg
Fs d = -Fg d
Fs = -Fg
-kx = -mg
k = mg/x = 2(9.8)/(0.06) = 327 N/m

when external force is applied

ws = -0.5k(x2f - x2i) = -0.5(327)(0.162 - 0.062) = -3.6 Ji am pretty sure that this solution is wrong!

i have a question related to the spring constant .. is it always positive?

you can notice that i am having some difficulties in the last two questions with work done on circular motion .. so please .. i would appreciate it if you explained that ..
 
hi eq123! :smile:
eq123 said:
as for problem 2 .. this is what i did ..

yes that looks ok :smile:

what is worrying you about it? :confused:
i have a question related to the spring constant .. is it always positive?

you answer that …

if k is negative, say -100, then d2x/dt2 = 100x …

what does that mean, and is it possible to have a spring like that? :wink:

for the last two questions about https://www.physicsforums.com/library.php?do=view_item&itemid=75" you should use the work-energy theorem :smile:
 
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