Conservation of energy of three spring system.

In summary, the equation for conservation of energy in the given system is E=K+U_{gravity}+U_{springA}+U_{springB}+U_{springC}. The individual energies for the three springs A, B, and C are derived as U_{springA}=\frac{1}{2}k(x-l_0)^2, U_{springB}=k(x-l_0)^2, and U_{springC}=\frac{1}{4}k(2l_0-x)^2, respectively. The kinetic energy is represented by K=\frac{1}{2}mv^2 and the potential energy due to gravity is U_{gravity}=-mgx.
  • #1
bobred
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1. Find the equation for conservation of energy in system. System consists of three springs A,B and C with stiffness k, 2k and 0.5k respectively and natural lengths l, 0.5l and 2l respectively.



Homework Equations


Equation for conservation of energy [tex]E=K+U_{spring}+U_{gravity}[/tex]
[tex]K=\frac{1}{2}mv^2[/tex]
Datum taken at point A, [tex]U_{gravity}=-mgx[/tex]
[tex]U_{spring}=\frac{1}{2}k(x-l_0)^2[/tex]
Where [tex]K[/tex] is kinetic energy and [tex]k[/tex] is the spring stiffness and [tex]l_0[/tex] is the natural length.

The Attempt at a Solution


By analysing the diagam
[tex]U_{springA}=\frac{1}{2}k(x-l_0)^2[/tex]
[tex]U_{springB}=\frac{1}{2}*2k(x-\frac{1}{2}l_0-\frac{1}{2}l_0)^2=k(x-l_0)^2[/tex]
[tex]U_{springC}=\frac{1}{2}*\frac{1}{2}k(4l_0-x-2l_0)^2=\frac{1}{4}k(2l_0-x)^2[/tex]
[tex]K=\frac{1}{2}mv^2[/tex]
[tex]U_{gravity}=-mgx[/tex]

My question is, is the answer [tex]E=K+U_{gravity}+U_{springA}+U_{springB}+U_{springC}[/tex] and have I derived the individual energies correctly?
 
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  • #2
Any ideas anyone?
 

FAQ: Conservation of energy of three spring system.

What is the conservation of energy?

The conservation of energy is a fundamental principle in physics that states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only be transferred or transformed from one form to another.

How does this principle apply to a three spring system?

In a three spring system, the total amount of energy present in the system remains constant as long as there are no external forces acting on it. This means that the potential energy stored in the three springs is equal to the kinetic energy of the system.

What factors affect the conservation of energy in a three spring system?

The conservation of energy in a three spring system is affected by the mass of the objects attached to the springs, the stiffness of the springs, and the amplitude of the oscillations.

What happens to the energy in a three spring system if one of the springs breaks?

If one of the springs in a three spring system breaks, the total amount of energy in the system remains the same, but the distribution of energy changes. This can result in changes in the amplitude and frequency of the oscillations.

How can the conservation of energy be applied to real-world situations?

The principle of conservation of energy is applicable in many real-world situations, such as in the operation of machines, the movement of objects, and the functioning of biological systems. It can also be used to analyze and design more efficient and sustainable systems and technologies.

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