A spring is attached to the ceiling by a string with no weights

In summary, the conversation discusses a cylindrical spring made of thin wire with a radius of 4 cm and a length of 20 cm. The spring is attached to the ceiling by a non-elastic string and has a mass of 50 g. The system is released at a small angle and the period is unknown. The group is unsure how to calculate the constant of the spring (k) and whether the weight affects the stretching of the spring. A sketch of the system is requested and it is suggested to split the spring into two pieces and consider them as separate springs. Clarification is needed on the definition of x and the mass and stretching force at different points on the spring.
  • #1
vstrimaitis
2
0

1. A cylindrical string is made out of thin wire.
  • The distance between every loop of an unstretched spring is equal;
  • The radius of every loop of the spring is r = 4 cm;
  • The length of an unstretched spring is l = 20 cm;
  • The mass of the spring is m = 50 g;
The spring is hung on the ceiling by a non-elastic string which has a length of a = 10 cm. When the string is hanging, it has the length of l' = 25 cm.

2.
  • What is the constant of the spring (k)?
  • What is the period of this system, if the angle, at which it is released, is small?

3. I haven't really solved any problems when the weight is not attached on the end of the spring. Does it work the same way or not? If it does, I'll be able to find k. But I have no idea what to do with the period... Any help at all would be appreciated ^^
 
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  • #2
Please add a sketch of the system. It is hard to visualize this based on your post.
If something is connected to a point within the spring, you can split the spring in two pieces and consider them as two springs.
 
  • #3
mfb said:
Please add a sketch of the system. It is hard to visualize this based on your post.
If something is connected to a point within the spring, you can split the spring in two pieces and consider them as two springs.

I hope this will clarify the problem at least a little bit.
 

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  • #4
Then you'll have to consider the weight of the spring. For a length x in the unstretched spring (where you need some definition of x), what is the mass below that point? What is the stretching force there? If the total spring has a constant of D, what can you say about each point, and finally the stretching of the whole spring?
 
  • #5
1. Based on the given information, we can calculate the spring constant (k) using the formula k = mg/l', where m is the mass of the spring and l' is the length of the spring when it is hanging. Plugging in the values, we get k = (0.05 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)/(0.25 m) = 1.96 N/m.

The period of the system can be calculated using the formula T = 2π√(m/k), where m is the mass of the spring and k is the spring constant. In this case, the period would be given by T = 2π√(0.05 kg/1.96 N/m) = 0.8 s.

2. The spring constant (k) can be found by using the formula k = mg/l', where m is the mass of the spring and l' is the length of the spring when it is hanging. Plugging in the values, we get k = (0.05 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)/(0.25 m) = 1.96 N/m.

The period of the system can be calculated using the formula T = 2π√(m/k), where m is the mass of the spring and k is the spring constant. In this case, the period would be given by T = 2π√(0.05 kg/1.96 N/m) = 0.8 s.

3. The spring will behave the same way whether there is a weight attached to the end or not. The spring constant (k) will remain the same, as it is a characteristic of the spring itself and not affected by any external factors. The only difference would be in the mass (m) of the system, which would change depending on whether there is a weight attached or not. The period of the system would also change, as it is affected by both the mass and the spring constant.
 

Related to A spring is attached to the ceiling by a string with no weights

1. How does the length of the spring affect its motion?

The length of the spring affects its motion by determining its natural frequency. A shorter spring will have a higher natural frequency, meaning it will oscillate more quickly, while a longer spring will have a lower natural frequency and oscillate more slowly.

2. Can the spring's motion be affected by external forces?

Yes, the spring's motion can be affected by external forces such as gravity or air resistance. These forces can either increase or decrease the amplitude and frequency of the spring's oscillations.

3. How does the tension in the string affect the spring's motion?

The tension in the string affects the spring's motion by exerting a restoring force on the spring. This force pulls the spring back to its equilibrium position and determines the amplitude of its oscillations.

4. Is the motion of the spring affected by the mass of the string?

No, the motion of the spring is not affected by the mass of the string. The string serves as a support for the spring and does not contribute to its motion.

5. Can the spring's motion be described by a mathematical equation?

Yes, the motion of the spring can be described by Hooke's law, which states that the force exerted by the spring is directly proportional to its displacement from its equilibrium position. This can be expressed as F = -kx, where F is the force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement.

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