/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 10 Block Dropped on a Spring A \(25... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Block Dropped on a Spring A \(250 \mathrm{~g}\) block is dropped onto a relaxed vertical spring that has a spring constant of \(k=\) 2.5 N/cm (Fig. 10-32). The block becomes attached to the spring and compresses the spring \(12 \mathrm{~cm}\) before momentarily stopping. While the spring is being compressed, what work is done on the block by (a) the gravitational force on it and (b) the spring force? (c) What is the speed of the block just before it hits the spring? (Assume that friction is negligible.) (d) If the speed at impact is doubled, what is the maximum compression of the spring?

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) 0.294 J (b) -1.8 J (c) 6.03 m/s (d) 1.696 m

Step by step solution

01

Given Data and Unit Conversion

First, write down all given data and convert units if necessary.Mass of the block,\(m=250 \mathrm{~g}=0.25 \mathrm{~kg}\).Spring constant,\(k=2.5 \mathrm{N/cm}=250 \mathrm{~N/m}\).Compression of the spring,\(x=12 \mathrm{~cm}=0.12 \mathrm{~m}\).
02

Work Done by Gravitational Force (a)

Use the formula for work done by gravitational force: \( W_g = mgh \) where \( h \) is the height (same as compression of spring).\( W_g = 0.25 \mathrm{~kg} \times 9.8 \mathrm{~m/s^2} \times 0.12 \mathrm{~m} \)\( W_g = 0.294 \mathrm{~J} \)Thus, the work done by the gravitational force is \(0.294 \mathrm{~J}\).
03

Work Done by Spring Force (b)

Use the formula for work done by the spring force: \( W_s = - \frac{1}{2} k x^2 \).\( W_s = - \frac{1}{2} \times 250 \mathrm{~N/m} \times (0.12 \mathrm{~m})^2 \)\( W_s = -1.8 \mathrm{~J} \)Thus, the work done by the spring force is \( -1.8 \mathrm{~J} \).
04

Speed of Block Just Before Impact (c)

Apply conservation of energy principle: Initial potential energy + initial kinetic energy = Final potential energy + final kinetic energy (Which is zero at max compression).\( mgh + \frac{1}{2} m v^2 = \frac{1}{2} k x^2 \).Since initial potential energy by height is converted to spring potential energy:\( 0.25 \mathrm{~kg} \times 9.8 \mathrm{~m/s^2} \times 0.12 \mathrm{~m} = \frac{1}{2} \times 250 \mathrm{~N/m} \times (0.12 \mathrm{~m})^2 \)Rearrange and solve for \(v\):\( v = \sqrt{(k x^2 - 2 m g x)/m}\)\( v = \sqrt{(250 \times (0.12)^2 - 2 \times 0.25 \times 9.8 \times 0.12)/0.25}\)\( v \approx 6.03 \mathrm{~m/s}\)Thus, the speed of the block just before impact is approximately \(6.03 \mathrm{~m/s}\).
05

Maximum Spring Compression if Impact Speed Doubled (d)

If the speed at impact is doubled, use the conservation of energy to find the new compression:\( mgh + \frac{1}{2} m (2v)^2 = \frac{1}{2} k x_{max}^2 \).Replace with known values, then solve for \( x_{max} \):\( x_{max} = \sqrt{\left( 4mv^2+2mgh \right)/k} \).\( x_{max} = \sqrt{\large{ \left( 4 \times 0.25 \times 6.03^2 + 2 \times 0.25 \times 9.8 \times 0.12 \right)/250}} \).\( x_{max} \approx 1.696\mathrm{~m} \).Thus, the maximum compression is approximately \(1.696\mathrm{~m}\).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Work and Energy
Work and energy are fundamental concepts in physics, closely related to each other. When a force acts on an object causing it to move, work is done. The energy associated with this work can convert from one form to another. For instance, when a block drops and compresses a spring, its gravitational potential energy converts into kinetic energy and then into elastic potential energy stored in the spring. The work done by forces (like gravity and the spring force) helps determine the block's motion and compression of the spring.
Conservation of Energy
The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. In the exercise, we apply this principle by equating the initial energy to the final energy.
When the block is dropped, its gravitational potential energy transforms into kinetic energy as it falls. Upon hitting the spring, this kinetic energy is then transferred into the spring as elastic potential energy. This means all the energies involved must add up to maintain a constant total energy.
  • Initial energy (gravitational potential energy + kinetic energy)
  • Final energy (elastic potential energy in the spring)
By setting these energies equal, we can solve for unknown variables, such as the speed of the block or the maximum compression of the spring.
Spring Constant
The spring constant, denoted as k, measures a spring's stiffness. A higher spring constant means a stiffer spring and larger force required to compress or extend it.
In the given exercise, the spring constant plays a crucial role in calculating the work done by the spring and the maximum compression. The spring's behavior is described by Hooke's Law:
  • The force exerted by the spring is proportional to its compression or extension (i.e., F = -kx)

Using this equation, we determine the work done by the spring, represented as
\( W_s = -\frac{1}{2} k x^2 \).
This work is necessary for figuring out how the energy is transformed and how much the spring compresses.

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