Determining the speed of a mass attached to a spring when stretched

In summary: Then you have the potential energy at the final position, which you can equate to the kinetic energy (since there is no more potential energy stored in the spring). Then you can solve for v using the equation Ek = 1/2mv^2. In summary, to find the speed of the mass when the spring is stretched 30 cm, we need to first determine the value of x in question 3, which is 0.5m. Then, using this value, we can equate the final potential energy of the spring to the kinetic energy of the mass. Solving for v using the equation Ek = 1/2mv^2, we get a speed of 1.5 m/s.
  • #1
Vegeance
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Homework Statement



3. A 0.5 kg mass is connected to the lower end of an ideal vertical coil spring suspended from a retort stand. The mass is held at rest with the spring completed unstretched and then allowed to fall. If the spring constant is 20 N/m, determine the maximum distance the mass drops before coming momentarily to rest and starting up again. Ignore frictional losses. (50 cm)

Egravity potential=Espring
[0.5][kx2]=mgx
[0.5][kx]=mg
[2mg/k]=[x]
[x] = 0.50m

4. In the problem above, the mass is now held initially at rest at a position where the spring is stretched 20 cm. Determine the maximum distance the mass will fall. (0.1 m)

Espring = Espring after - Egravity potential work done
[0.5][k(0.2)2] + [0.5kg][~10N/kg][x']=[0.5k][x+0.2m][2]
[0.4J]+[5x']=[10][x'2+0.4x'+0.04]
[0.4J]+[5x']=[10x'2-x'+0.4]
0=[10x2-x']
x = (1/10; 0)

5. In problem 3, determine how fast the mass was traveling on the way down when the spring was stretched 30 cm.
(1.5 m/s)

I am getting stuck at this question as how to conceptualize it, although I tried substituting to no avail.
Initial State : Potential Energy of Spring + Gravity Potential Energy Work Done
Final State : Potential Energy of Spring[x+0.3m] + Kinetic Energy

Homework Equations



Eg = mgh
Ek = 1/2mv^2
Es = 1/2kx^2

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
It looks like you have done 3 and 4 correctly. For question 5, you can do it. You have written that the final state potential energy in the spring is at position (x+0.3m) What is x meant to be? The original position? If so, then they have told you in question 3 the original potential energy, so this gives you a value for x.
 

Related to Determining the speed of a mass attached to a spring when stretched

1. How do you determine the speed of a mass attached to a spring when stretched?

To determine the speed of a mass attached to a spring when stretched, you need to measure the displacement of the mass from its equilibrium position and the time it takes to complete one full oscillation. This can be done using a stopwatch and a ruler, or through more advanced methods such as video analysis.

2. What is the formula for calculating the speed of a mass attached to a spring when stretched?

The formula for calculating the speed of a mass attached to a spring when stretched is v = 2π√(k/m), where v is the speed in meters per second (m/s), k is the spring constant in Newtons per meter (N/m), and m is the mass in kilograms (kg).

3. What is the relationship between the speed and the mass of a spring-mass system?

In a spring-mass system, the speed of the mass is directly proportional to the square root of the inverse of the mass. This means that as the mass increases, the speed decreases, and vice versa.

4. How does the spring constant affect the speed of a mass attached to a spring when stretched?

The spring constant directly affects the speed of a mass attached to a spring when stretched. A higher spring constant means that the spring is stiffer, and therefore the mass will oscillate at a higher speed. Conversely, a lower spring constant results in a slower oscillation speed.

5. Can the speed of a mass attached to a spring when stretched be affected by external factors?

Yes, the speed of a mass attached to a spring when stretched can be affected by external factors such as air resistance and friction. These factors can slow down the mass and affect the accuracy of the calculated speed. It is important to minimize these external influences when conducting an experiment to determine the speed of a spring-mass system.

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