Solve Jumping Toy Problem: Find Spring Constant & Power

  • Thread starter MozAngeles
  • Start date
In summary, a spring compressed by 1.5 cm can propel a 49g toy to a height of 45 cm. To find the spring constant, the equation W = ½keffX2 can be used. The average power of the spring during propulsion can be found using the equation P = W/t, where t is the period calculated using the equation \omega = sqrt(k/m). The instantaneous power exerted when the compression is just 0.75 cm can be found by dividing the work by the period.
  • #1
MozAngeles
101
0

Homework Statement


A spring is compressed 1.5 cm and propels a 49g toy to a height of 45 cm.
a. Find the spring constant
b. The average power of the spring during propulsion.
c. The instantaneous power exerted when the compression is just .75cm

Homework Equations


k=F/[tex]\Delta[/tex]x
Power=Work/time


The Attempt at a Solution


i thought the spring constant ,k, would be (mass of toy x 9.81)/(.015), but this is wrong.
then work would be, force(which i don't know how to find) x distance(.45).. but I am not sure
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Try Using this:

Elastic potential energy stored in wire or spring (Amount of work stored)

* W = ½keffX2, where X is the extension of spring
 
  • #3
Okay, but I'm still not sure how to find the spring constant, was I on the right track by using F/[tex]\Delta[/tex]x, where x=.015 m
 
  • #4
and force is equal to .049x9.81
 
  • #5
Okay so i figured out the constant by conservation of energy.
1/2kx2=mgh, solve for k
then for power p=w/t, i find t by finding[tex]\omega[/tex]=sqrt. (k/m) then using that to find T, the period.
then work= 1/2kx2, so then i just divide the w/T, would this be correct?
 

FAQ: Solve Jumping Toy Problem: Find Spring Constant & Power

How do you determine the spring constant for a jumping toy?

The spring constant can be determined by measuring the displacement of the toy when a known force is applied to it. The formula for spring constant is k = F/x, where k is the spring constant, F is the applied force, and x is the displacement. By measuring the force and displacement and plugging them into the formula, the spring constant can be calculated.

What factors affect the spring constant of a jumping toy?

The spring constant of a jumping toy can be affected by several factors, including the material and thickness of the spring, the number of coils, and the diameter of the spring. The placement of the spring on the toy and the angle at which it is compressed can also affect the spring constant.

How does the power of a jumping toy affect its performance?

The power of a jumping toy is directly related to its ability to jump. A toy with a higher power will be able to jump higher and for a longer period of time. The power of a jumping toy is determined by the force applied to the spring and the spring constant. Therefore, increasing the force or the spring constant can increase the power of the toy.

Can the spring constant and power of a jumping toy be changed?

Yes, the spring constant and power of a jumping toy can be changed by altering the properties of the spring or the force applied to it. Changing the material, thickness, or number of coils in the spring can affect the spring constant, while increasing the force applied to the spring can increase the power of the toy.

How can the jumping toy problem be solved using scientific methods?

To solve the jumping toy problem, a scientist would follow the scientific method, which includes making observations, formulating a hypothesis, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. By measuring the force and displacement of the toy, the spring constant and power can be calculated and compared to the initial hypothesis. This process can be repeated with different variables to determine the optimal spring constant and power for the jumping toy.

Similar threads

Mass launched into the air by a spring
Replies
1
Views
2K
Spring Problem Involving Variables and Constants Only
Replies
3
Views
892
Why is my method for finding the spring constant incorrect?
Replies
17
Views
2K
Conservation of Energy: Spring PE: Toy gun on spring
Replies
4
Views
2K
Spring constant of a car on springs
Replies
7
Views
7K
How do I find mass in this equation?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Homework help: Work and Energy: Spring
Replies
3
Views
1K
Problem with solving for force constant k of spring?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Toy Gun Spring Compression and Projectile Height: How are they Related?
Replies
1
Views
2K
How Much Does the Spring Compress When a Man Jumps on a Scale?
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top