Need help going over a momentum/spring problem

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In summary, a pellet gun fired into a block of wood attached to a spring on a frictionless surface causes the bullet and block to enter a simple harmonic motion with an amplitude of 11cm. The 5g bullet was traveling at 650m/s before hitting the 2.5kg block of wood. After the collision, the spring constant was calculated to be 349.9N/m and the total energy of the system was found to be 4.23J. The maximum acceleration of the bullet and block was determined to be 15.4m/s^2 and the velocity of 0 will be reached when the amplitude of the oscillation is +-11cm.
  • #1
groundhog92
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1.Homework Statement
A pellet gun is fired into a block of wood that is attached to a spring on a frictionless surface. The bullet remains in the wood and the block of wood and the bullet enter into a simple harmonic motion with Amplitude=11cm. The 5g bullet was traveling at 650m/s before hitting the 2.5kg block of wood.
a)What is the spring constant?
b)What is the the total energy of the system after the collision?
c)What is the max acceleration of the bullet/block once it begins its oscillation?
d)Where will the bullet/block reach a velocity of 0?


Homework Equations


mv=mv
(1/2)mv^2=(1/2)kx^2
a=(V^2)/A
v=2pief(sqrt(A^2-x^2))



The Attempt at a Solution


I've already done the problem I just need someone to check my work because I'm not completely sure about the process.

Part a
(.005)(650)=(2.505)v
v=1.3m/s

(1/2)k(.11^2)=(1/2)(2.505)(1.3^2)
k=349.9N/m

Part b
E=(1/2)mv^2 + (1/2)kx^2
E=((2.505)(1.3^2)+(349.9)(.11^2))/2
E=4.23J

Part c
a=(v^2)/A
a=(1.3^2)/.11
a=15.4m/s^2

Part d
Where A=x
so where x=+-11cm

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
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  • #2
In part b) you have added the max KE to the max PE.
When KE is max, PE is zero and vice versa.
 
  • #3
So the total energy of the system would be equal to just the max potential or kinetic by themselves?
 
  • #4
Yep!
 
  • #5
alright thanks
 

FAQ: Need help going over a momentum/spring problem

What is momentum and how is it related to springs?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, determined by its mass and velocity. It is related to springs through the concept of elastic potential energy. When a spring is compressed or stretched, it stores potential energy, which can then be converted into kinetic energy as the spring returns to its equilibrium position. The momentum of an object attached to a spring will change as the spring oscillates.

How do I calculate the momentum of an object?

Momentum is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by its velocity. The formula is: momentum = mass x velocity. Mass is typically measured in kilograms (kg) and velocity is measured in meters per second (m/s).

What are the key components of a momentum/spring problem?

The key components of a momentum/spring problem are the mass of the object attached to the spring, the initial velocity of the object, the spring constant, and the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position. These values are used to calculate the momentum of the object at various points in time.

How do I approach solving a momentum/spring problem?

To solve a momentum/spring problem, it is important to first identify the given values and what is being asked for in the problem. Then, use the relevant equations (such as the conservation of momentum or Hooke's law) to calculate the unknown values. It may be helpful to draw a diagram and label the known values to visualize the problem.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving a momentum/spring problem?

Some common mistakes to avoid when solving a momentum/spring problem include not properly converting units, not considering the direction of the velocity and displacement, and forgetting to include all given values in the calculations. It is also important to double-check your calculations and make sure they make sense in the context of the problem.

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