How Does Changing Mass and Speed Affect Spring Compression?

Thread starter bcalkins
Start date Sep 20, 2012
Tags

Compression Spring

AI Thread Summary

The discussion centers on the effects of changing mass and speed on spring compression during a collision. When a block of mass m and speed v compresses a spring by a distance deltaX, halving the mass and doubling the speed alters the energy dynamics. Applying conservation of energy principles can help determine the new compression distance. The kinetic energy of the block before the collision can be equated to the potential energy stored in the spring at maximum compression. Understanding these relationships is crucial for solving the problem effectively.

Sep 20, 2012

bcalkins

Question: A block of mass m and speed v collides with a spring, compressing it a distance deltaX. What is the compression of the spring if the mass of the block is halved and its speed is doubled?

I have no idea how to do this problem. If anyone can explain this to me it would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!

Physics news on Phys.org

Sep 20, 2012

Villyer

Have you attempted to use conservation of energy principles?

Thread 'Power of a thin lens in a medium is 1/fₘ or μₘ/fₘ ?'

Here is what I tried This question was actually asked in one of our engineering entrances. The answer was 1D. My teachers say that we have to use μₘ/fₘ to get to this answer. I cannot understand why. I'll be really glad if you could tell me the exact definition of power (numerically) that works in all scenarios.

View full post »

Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...

View full post »

Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'

The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...

View full post »