Find length of spring in its equilibrium position

In summary, a frictionless, massless piston is supported by two springs, A and B, and held by a pin in a vacuum inside a rigid-walled container. The springs have spring constants and natural lengths, and dissipative properties. After being pulled, the piston comes to rest at an equilibrium position. The length of spring A in this position (LA2) can be found using the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The second law may not be necessary as there is no information about heat transfer. It may be simpler to consider the forces acting on the piston at equilibrium.
  • #1
ally2106
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As shown in Figure Q1a, a frictionless, massless, piston, supported by two springs, A and B, is held by a pin in a vacuum inside a rigid-walled container. The properties of the springs are: spring constants kA = 3,859 and kB = 3,090 (in N/m), natural lengths LA0 = 0.03 and LB0 = 0.1 (in m). When the piston is pinned to the wall, the lengths of the springs are LA1 = 0.1 and LB1 = 0.1 (in m), respectively. Both springs possesses dissipative properties so that after the pin is pulled, the piston eventually comes to rest at an equilibrium position. Find the length of spring A in this equilibrium position (LA2) in units of m.

Equations so far:
Models:
Elastic Energy Constituitive Relation: (E2 - E1) = (k/2)(x22 - x12)

First Law of thermodynamics: (E2 - E1) = (Q1-2) - (W1-2)
Second Law of thermodynamics...

Don't really know where to start? Help appreciated
Im assuming the rigid wall is the boundary, so would work be equal to O? as there are no external forces acting or pushing on the boundary? I don't understand how to incorporate the second law of thermodynamics re entropy here? No information about heat transfer?
 
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  • #2
Would it not be simpler to consider the forces acting on the piston at equilibrium?
 

FAQ: Find length of spring in its equilibrium position

What is the equilibrium position of a spring?

The equilibrium position of a spring is the position at which the spring is not stretched or compressed, and there is no net force acting on it.

How do you find the length of a spring in its equilibrium position?

To find the length of a spring in its equilibrium position, you can use the formula L = F/k, where L is the length, F is the force applied to the spring, and k is the spring constant.

What factors affect the length of a spring in its equilibrium position?

The length of a spring in its equilibrium position is affected by the spring constant, the amount of force applied, and the mass of the object attached to the spring.

Why is it important to know the length of a spring in its equilibrium position?

Knowing the length of a spring in its equilibrium position is important in understanding the behavior of the spring and predicting its movement when a force is applied.

Can the length of a spring in its equilibrium position change?

Yes, the length of a spring in its equilibrium position can change if the factors affecting it, such as the force applied or the mass attached, are changed. However, the spring will always try to return to its equilibrium position.

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