Jumping box with a spring and mass inside

In summary, the mass M box, containing a massless spring with elastic constant k and a body of mass m fixed to a wire at the bottom, will experience a deformation b of the spring after the wire is cut. The deformation is given by b > (M + 2m)g/k.
  • #1
Zeor137
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Homework Statement


Inside a mass M box, over a horizontal floor, there are a massless spring of elastic constant k, fixed to a body of mass m. That body is trapped to a wire in the bottom of the box. After the wire breaks the box will jump with which deformation b of the spring?

Homework Equations


F=m.g
F=k.b

The Attempt at a Solution


I know the answer is that below but i just can't think how would I get to it.
b > (M + 2m)g/k.
 

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  • #2
Hi Zeor137. I think what happens is that in the situation shown, the spring is stretched. When the wire is cut, the mass m accelerates upwards until the spring becomes compressed by almost as much as it had been stretched (less an allowance for the weight of m).

I haven't worked it out, so I can't be certain that that's the right way to view it.
 
  • #3
Zeor137 said:

Homework Statement


Inside a mass M box, over a horizontal floor, there are a massless spring of elastic constant k, fixed to a body of mass m. That body is trapped to a wire in the bottom of the box. After the wire breaks the box will jump with which deformation b of the spring?

Homework Equations


F=m.g
F=k.b

The Attempt at a Solution


I know the answer is that below but i just can't think how would I get to it.
b > (M + 2m)g/k.

Welcome to the PF. Please use NO's hint to help you work this problem. We do not allow posts here where you do not show your work toward a solution.
 

FAQ: Jumping box with a spring and mass inside

What is the purpose of the jumping box with a spring and mass inside?

The purpose of the jumping box is to demonstrate the principles of energy conservation and simple harmonic motion. The spring inside the box stores potential energy when compressed and releases it as kinetic energy when stretched, causing the box to jump up and down.

How does the mass inside the jumping box affect its motion?

The mass inside the jumping box affects its motion by influencing the amplitude and frequency of the oscillations. A heavier mass will cause the box to jump higher and at a slower rate, while a lighter mass will result in lower jumps at a faster rate.

What factors can affect the behavior of the jumping box?

The behavior of the jumping box can be affected by several factors such as the stiffness of the spring, the mass of the box, and any external forces acting on the system. Temperature and air resistance can also impact the motion of the box.

How does the spring inside the jumping box work?

The spring inside the jumping box works by storing potential energy when compressed and releasing it as kinetic energy when stretched. This back and forth movement of the spring causes the box to jump up and down in a repetitive motion.

What is the significance of the jumping box with a spring and mass inside in the field of science?

The jumping box with a spring and mass inside is significant in the field of science as it serves as a simple model for understanding the principles of energy conservation and simple harmonic motion. It can also be used to demonstrate the effects of different variables on the behavior of a system, making it a useful tool for scientific experiments and demonstrations.

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