Solving a Simple Spring Problem: Finding the Speed of a Launched Object

  • Thread starter Rha1828
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Spring
In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a spring gun firing an object with a mass of 2.1 kg across a frictionless table. The spring has a spring constant of 19 N/m and is initially compressed by 3.6 cm. The question is asking for the speed of the object as it leaves the spring gun. The individual is struggling to solve the problem and is seeking guidance and direction. The suggestion is made to consider the potential energy of the compressed spring being converted to kinetic energy and to set up the problem using symbols before substituting any numbers. The importance of understanding the reasoning behind the solution is emphasized.
  • #1
Rha1828
11
0
Simple Spring Problem Help!

A spring gun fires an object of mass 2.1 kg horizontally across a frictionless table. The spring has a spring constant of 19 N/m and is initially compressed by 3.6 cm. What is the speed of the object as it leaves the spring gun?

I can not figure out this problem.
3.6cm = 0.036 m
then I tired (0.036)(19) then dividing that by the mass
nothing seems to be working

Any help or direction would be great! Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


Typically you would want to consider the potential energy of the compressed spring being converted to kinetic energy.
 
  • #3


It sounds like you are just doing things at random to see if they produce the answer in the back of the book. It would be far better to set the problem up in symbols and work it out in what you think is a rational manner before you ever substitute any numbers at all. You really need to be thinking about what you are doing and why.
 

FAQ: Solving a Simple Spring Problem: Finding the Speed of a Launched Object

What is a simple spring problem?

A simple spring problem is a physics concept that involves calculating the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of an object attached to a spring that is being stretched or compressed.

How do you solve a simple spring problem?

To solve a simple spring problem, you need to know the spring constant (k) and the mass of the object attached to the spring. Then, you can use equations such as Hooke's Law and Newton's Second Law to calculate the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the object.

What is Hooke's Law?

Hooke's Law states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the displacement of the object attached to the spring. This can be represented by the equation F = -kx, where F is the force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement.

How do you find the spring constant?

The spring constant can be found by dividing the force exerted by the spring by the displacement of the object. It can also be calculated by dividing the weight of the object by the change in length of the spring.

Why are simple spring problems important?

Simple spring problems are important because they help us understand the behavior of springs and how they can be used in various applications, such as in suspension systems, pogo sticks, and shock absorbers. They also help us understand concepts such as potential and kinetic energy, oscillations, and forces.

Similar threads

Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
Replies
17
Views
615
Elastic potential energy (spring) problem
Replies
3
Views
1K
AP Physics C Momentum Problem: A dart launched horizonally by a spring gun
Replies
22
Views
4K
Solve Spring Gun Problem: Recoil Speed Calculation
Replies
1
Views
2K
Speed of object after collision related to spring
Replies
4
Views
2K
Finding the speed of the block for one and two springs
Replies
5
Views
9K
Conservation of Energy: Spring PE: Toy gun on spring
Replies
4
Views
2K
Problem with solving for force constant k of spring?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Simple Harmonic Motion of a Spring?
Replies
11
Views
2K
Spring problem using work energy theorem
Replies
5
Views
8K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top