Maximum Velocity of a Falling Ball on a Spring

In summary, the sphere reaches a maximum velocity of 4.62 meters per second when it lands on the spring.
  • #1
Patolord
20
1

Homework Statement


A sphere of 4kg falls from a height of 70cm and lands on a spring of constant 2 *10² N/m.
Whats the max velocity the sphere reachs?
g=10m/s²

Homework Equations


Ep=m*G*h
Ek=mv²/2
Eel=k*x²/2
Vmax=sqrt(2g*h) (internet source idk if this is right)

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried this Ep = Eel + epx
Ep=4*0,7*10
28=kx²/2 + mg*x
x=0,367 m
them i did 0,7 + 0,367 for the height
and it gave me Sqrt(2g*h)=v
V=4,62 m/s
not the answer, i couldn't get my head around the energies. I also tried Ep=Eel but no sucess
 
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  • #2
Patolord said:
Ep=m*G*h
Ek=mv²/2
Eel=k*x²/2
These are OK.

Vmax=sqrt(2g*h) (internet source idk if this is right)
This only applies to a body falling freely from a height h. Don't need it.


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried this Ep = Eel + epx
Ep=4*0,7*10
28=kx²/2 + mg*x
x=0,367 m
them i did 0,7 + 0,367 for the height
and it gave me Sqrt(2g*h)=v
V=4,62 m/s
not the answer, i couldn't get my head around the energies. I also tried Ep=Eel but no sucess
The total energy is (using your notation): Ep + Ek + Eel
That total energy is conserved.

Hint: At what point does the mass stop accelerating? (After that point, it starts slowing down.)
 
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  • #3
Sorry, power went out on my house.
So it stops acelerating when it touches the spring.
But i still need the energy of the spring right because it touches it?
If i try ep+ek + Eel i get 28 -2v² = 200x²/2
now to find the x
i can use the weight of the ball F=m*a = k *x , i get 40=200*x => x=0,2
them Eel = k*x²/2 = 4 !
Eel+ Ep = Ec Ec = 32
32= 4 * v² /2
16 = v²
v=4 m/s Yeaah lol solved while writing this thank you veryy much ! (or maybe i did something wrong and got to the right result ?)
 

FAQ: Maximum Velocity of a Falling Ball on a Spring

How does a ball falling on a spring behave?

When a ball falls on a spring, it causes the spring to compress due to the force of gravity acting on the ball. As the spring compresses, it stores potential energy. Once the ball reaches the spring's equilibrium point, the stored potential energy is released, causing the spring to expand and the ball to bounce back up.

What factors affect the behavior of a ball falling on a spring?

The behavior of a ball falling on a spring can be affected by several factors, such as the mass of the ball, the stiffness of the spring, the height from which the ball is dropped, and the force of gravity.

Is the behavior of a ball falling on a spring predictable?

Yes, the behavior of a ball falling on a spring is predictable and follows the laws of physics. As long as the factors affecting the behavior remain constant, the ball will behave in a predictable manner.

Can a ball falling on a spring exhibit different behaviors?

Yes, a ball falling on a spring can exhibit different behaviors depending on the initial conditions. For example, if the ball is dropped from a greater height, it will have a higher velocity when it hits the spring, causing it to compress more and bounce higher. Additionally, if the spring's stiffness is changed, the behavior of the ball will also change.

How is the behavior of a ball falling on a spring useful in real-life applications?

The behavior of a ball falling on a spring is useful in various real-life applications, such as shock absorbers in vehicles and earthquake-resistant buildings. The ability of the spring to absorb and release energy can help reduce the impact of sudden forces and vibrations, making structures more stable and safe.

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