Spring motion/Friction/Freefall problem

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In summary, a 400 gram block is launched across a horizontal frictionless table by a compressed spring with a spring constant of 56 N/m. It then slides across a 30 cm strip with a coefficient of friction of 0.52 before flying off the table and landing on the floor. Using energy and motion equations, it can be determined that the block will travel a distance of 1.71m from the edge of the table before reaching the floor.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A 400 gram block is launched across a horizontal frictionless table by a horizontal spring that has been compressed 32 cm and has a spring constant of 56 N/m. After going a short distance, the block slides across a 30 cm strip at the edge of the table that has a coefficient of friction of 0.52 between the block and the table. The block then flies off the table and lands on the floor. If the table is 1.25 m high, how far from the edge of the table does it land on the floor?


Homework Equations


motion equations
f=-kx
Ff=N(coeff of fric)


The Attempt at a Solution


i started off with a 56N/m spring being compressed 32 cm gives a 17.92 N force which translates to an acceleration of 44.8 m/s/s for a .4 kg block. I do not know how to handle the problem from here/ how to deal with the 30 cm strip of friction
 
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  • #2
well the force of friction is μmg

you're going to want to use energy as well to find the initial velocity of the block after it leaves the spring.

(1/2)kx2 = (1/2)mv2 then you need to solve for v to find the initial velocity.

next you need to find the deceleration of the block due to the friction of the plane.

which i think is μg because the block has left the spring so no more force is applied to the block.

so the block is going to travel a distance of 30cm, so knowing this your deceleration and initial velocity you can solve for the final velocity at the end of the table.

You know the height of the table so you need to find the time it takes for a block to fall that height under the influence of gravity. once you know that just multiply your final velocity at the end of the table by that time and there you have it.
 
  • #3
so using 1/2kx^2 i get (1/2)(56Nm)(.32m)^2 = 2.87 which through (1/2)mv^2 yields a velocity of 3.79 m/s. Then the decleration is equal to μg = (.52)(-9.8) = -5.096 m/s/s. thru motion equation i got final velocity = 3.36m/s. then thru another motion equation i got time = .51sec for the object to fall 1.25m. Then through another motion equation i got .86m as distance traveled, check this please?
 
  • #4
EDIT: I think .86m is wrong, i think i jus ttake 3.36m/s and multiply by .51s and get 1.71m?
 
  • #5
well i would use t=0.505s multiplied by 3.36m/s and yeah that would be right
 

FAQ: Spring motion/Friction/Freefall problem

What is spring motion?

Spring motion refers to the movement of an object attached to a spring that is either compressed or stretched. The object will oscillate back and forth around a fixed position, known as the equilibrium position, until friction or another force brings it to a stop.

How does friction affect spring motion?

Friction can dampen the motion of a spring by converting its kinetic energy into heat. This results in a decrease in amplitude and a shorter period of oscillation. Friction can also cause the spring to move in a different direction than intended, resulting in a distorted motion.

What is a freefall problem?

A freefall problem involves an object that is dropped or thrown from a certain height and is only affected by the force of gravity. The aim is to calculate the object's position, velocity, and acceleration at any given time during its fall.

How does air resistance affect freefall?

Air resistance, also known as drag, is a force that acts in the opposite direction of an object's motion. As an object falls, air resistance increases, causing the object to reach a terminal velocity where the force of gravity and air resistance are equal. This results in a constant velocity, and the object will no longer accelerate.

How does mass affect freefall?

The mass of an object does not affect the rate of freefall. All objects, regardless of mass, will accelerate towards the ground at a rate of 9.8 m/s² due to the force of gravity. However, objects with a larger mass will experience a greater force of gravity, resulting in a larger force of impact when they hit the ground.

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