- #1
DSM_
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If there were no spring then the answer come out to be (6/5)m. Please help.
What is the solution to the Wedge-Spring-Block Problem?
- Thread starter DSM_
- Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a spring and gravitational potential energy. The questioner is unable to figure out the correct answer and is seeking help. Another participant suggests that the coefficient in the problem may have been incorrectly stated. The correct answer is determined using conservation of energy and the assumption that the spring is released at its relaxed length. The participants agree that the question is poorly worded.
If there were no spring then the answer come out to be (6/5)m. Please help.
- #2
AlephNumbers
- 293
- 33
Have you learned about gravitational potential energy and spring energy yet?
- #3
- 42,086
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I agree, and since k does not appear in any of the answers, the questioner agrees the spring is irrelevant.DSM_ said:
My guess is that the coefficient was supposed to be 1/4.
- #4
AlephNumbers
- 293
- 33
Even when the gravitational force exerted on the block M is equal to the spring force exerted on block M, the block is still moving. Your method presumes that this is not true. If you use conservation of energy to solve for the maximum spring force, answer (A) can be arrived at.
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- #5
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You are assuming that block M is released with the spring just taut, i.e. at its relaxed length. Yes, that gives answer A, so that is probably what is intended, but I see nothing in the problem statement to justify that assumption.AlephNumbers said:
- #6
DSM_
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Okay, I have to do it with energy conservation.
If block is released when spring is relaxed, if it moves x downwards,
Work done by grav = Potential energy of Spring.
1/2kx^2 = Mgx
kx = 2Mg
Then tension is kx everywhere in string. Then equating to (friction + mgsin37) gives answer (A).
Is this correct?
If block is released when spring is relaxed, if it moves x downwards,
Work done by grav = Potential energy of Spring.
1/2kx^2 = Mgx
kx = 2Mg
Then tension is kx everywhere in string. Then equating to (friction + mgsin37) gives answer (A).
Is this correct?
- #7
- 42,086
- 10,187
Seems so. Still a poorly worded question, and congratulations to AlephNumbers for guessing what was meant.DSM_ said:
- #8
DSM_
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haruspex said:
I think questioner want us to assume that the spring is relaxed otherwise there wouldn't be any spring at all.
Yup, thanks AlephNumbers :)
FAQ: What is the solution to the Wedge-Spring-Block Problem?
What is the Wedge-Spring-Block Problem?
The Wedge-Spring-Block Problem is a classic physics problem that involves a block of mass sliding down a wedge-shaped ramp and colliding with a spring at the bottom.
What are the main forces acting on the block in this problem?
The main forces acting on the block in the Wedge-Spring-Block Problem are gravity, normal force, and friction.
How can the Wedge-Spring-Block Problem be solved?
The Wedge-Spring-Block Problem can be solved using Newton's laws of motion and conservation of energy principles.
What factors affect the outcome of the Wedge-Spring-Block Problem?
The outcome of the Wedge-Spring-Block Problem can be affected by the mass of the block, the angle of the wedge, the spring constant of the spring, and the coefficient of friction between the block and the ramp.
What real-life applications does the Wedge-Spring-Block Problem have?
The Wedge-Spring-Block Problem can be used to model the motion of objects on inclined planes, as well as the behavior of springs in mechanical systems. It can also be applied to sports such as skiing and skateboarding, where objects slide down an inclined surface and collide with a spring-like surface.