What angle do the springs make with the vertical at equilibrium?

[Nickluvn]

Homework Statement

A 5.0kg mass held is between two springs of unstretched length 0.1m such that the springs are horizontal. The mass is then released in such a way that it is supported against gravity by these two springs. What angle do the springs make with the vertical at equilibrium?

Homework Equations

1/2kx^2

The Attempt at a Solution

1/2kx^2 is the used in replacement of 1/2mv^2.
what i don't understant is calculating the angle?

 

[tiny-tim]

Welcome to PF!

Hi Nickluvn! Welcome to PF!

(try using the X² icon just above the Reply box )

1/2kx^2 is the used in replacement of 1/2mv^2.
what i don't understant is calculating the angle?

The springs make a V shape …

you can get the angle from the spring length and the height difference (the "h" in mgh).

 

[Yafa]

What angle do the springs make with the vertical at equilibrium?

Homework Equations

1/2kx^2

The Attempt at a Solution

1/2kx^2 is the used in replacement of 1/2mv^2.
what i don't understant is calculating the angle?

good thinking, but I think you may be using the wrong approach. Think about what the use of the word "equilibrium" implies about the sum of the FORCES. The way I read that question is it is asking you the angle the springs make once the entire system has come to rest (i.e. no longer bouncing, and the use of the word equilibrium).

Hi Nickluvn! Welcome to PF!

(try using the X² icon just above the Reply box )


The springs make a V shape …

you can get the angle from the spring length and the height difference (the "h" in mgh).

I'm not sure this is an energy problem. Sounds like statics to me.