How Does Initial Velocity Direction Affect Spring Motion Velocities?

In summary, when a spring is stretched down and released with an initial velocity (v0), it will reach its maximum velocity (v1) in the upward direction. Similarly, when the spring is stretched down and released with an initial velocity (v0), it will reach its maximum velocity (v2) in the downward direction. The rank of velocities is v1>v2>v1, and the maximum velocity is reached at the middle of the path in the upward direction. The initial KE and PE of the spring are unknown, while the KE is maximum at the middle of the path. The velocity can be both upward and downward at that point.
  • #1
hughes
8
0
-The spring is stretched down and released with an initial velocity (v0) in the upward direction. The maximum velocity it reaches is v1.
-The spring is stretched down and released with an initial velocity (v0) in the downward direction. The maximum velocity it reaches is v2.

Rank the velocities. I said it was v1>v2>v1. The maximum velocity is reached at the middle of the path, and it is in the upward direction. I know I'm wrong; I just don't know how.
 
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  • #2
What are the initial KE and PE of the spring? At what height is the KE maximum? Can be the velocity both upward and downward at that point?

ehild
 

Related to How Does Initial Velocity Direction Affect Spring Motion Velocities?

1. What is a hanging spring in conceptual physics?

A hanging spring is a physical system where a spring is attached to a fixed point at one end and a mass is attached to the other end. The mass is allowed to hang freely and the spring stretches due to the weight of the mass. This system is often used in conceptual physics experiments to study the relationship between force, mass, and spring constant.

2. How does the length of the hanging spring affect its behavior?

The length of the hanging spring affects its behavior in two ways. First, the longer the spring, the greater the distance it can stretch. Second, the longer the spring, the lower its spring constant, meaning it will require less force to stretch it. This is because the spring constant is inversely proportional to the length of the spring.

3. What is the relationship between the force applied to a hanging spring and its displacement?

According to Hooke's Law, the force applied to a hanging spring is directly proportional to its displacement or stretch. This means that the greater the force applied, the greater the displacement of the spring. This relationship can be expressed as F = -kx, where F is the force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement.

4. What factors affect the spring constant of a hanging spring?

The spring constant of a hanging spring is affected by three main factors: the material of the spring, the diameter of the spring, and the number of coils in the spring. Different materials have different elastic properties, which affect the spring constant. A larger diameter or more coils in the spring will result in a higher spring constant.

5. How does a hanging spring demonstrate the conservation of energy?

A hanging spring demonstrates the conservation of energy by converting potential energy into kinetic energy and back again. As the mass is lifted and the spring stretches, it gains potential energy. When the mass is released, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the spring contracts and the mass moves. At the bottom of its swing, the kinetic energy is converted back into potential energy as the spring is stretched again. This process continues until all the energy is dissipated due to friction and air resistance.

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