How do I determine the elastic energy?

In summary: SimplestMechanics/SimplestMechanics3.htmlIn summary, the conversation revolves around determining the elastic energy, gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and total energy of a mass attached to a spring. The mass was dropped from an unstretched spring and the max stretch was recorded at .65m. The person asking the question needs help with understanding the calculations involved and the concept of energy disappearing with each bounce in a vibrating mass-spring system. They are advised to refer to their textbook and a provided link for further assistance.
  • #1
Lindsay
3
0
HELP...ASAP physics lab!

When a mass of 750g is attached to a spring with constant 24N/m, the max stretch recorded when dropped is .65m. How do I determine the eleastic energy, gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, the total energy at the top middle and bottem positions of the mass that was dropped from the unstreteched spring. Also, what happens to energy that seems to dissappear with each subsequent bounce of a vibrating mass-spring system?
THANK YOU!
 
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  • #2
I doubt you'll get any answers to your questions as posed. Not being mean but you have to show us that you've done some of the work and we're here to help, not do it for you.

You calculate the gravitational potential energy the same way you would for any mass at a given height above the reference level. Choosing certain locations for the reference level can make the math a little easier than others but it is arbitrary. Give this part a shot, let us know what you come up with and you get more help.
 
  • #3
look in your textbook for the work/kinetic energy theorem, this should help out quite a bit. also check this link out and see if you find anything there.

www.fearofphysics.com
 

1. How is elastic energy defined?

Elastic energy is the potential energy stored in an elastic material when it is deformed or stretched. It is the energy required to change the shape or size of an object and is dependent on the material's stiffness and the amount of deformation.

2. What is the formula for calculating elastic energy?

The formula for calculating elastic energy is E = 1/2kx², where E is the elastic energy, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement of the material. This formula is known as Hooke's Law and is applicable to linear elastic materials.

3. How do I measure the spring constant for calculating elastic energy?

The spring constant can be measured by applying a known force to the material and measuring the resulting displacement. The spring constant is then equal to the ratio of the applied force to the displacement.

4. Can elastic energy be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, elastic energy can be converted into other forms of energy such as kinetic energy or thermal energy. When an elastic material returns to its original shape after being deformed, the stored elastic energy is released and can be used to perform work.

5. What factors can affect the amount of elastic energy stored in a material?

The amount of elastic energy stored in a material is dependent on the material's stiffness, the amount of deformation, and the material's ability to return to its original shape. Factors such as temperature, moisture, and aging can also affect the material's elasticity and therefore impact the amount of stored elastic energy.

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