- #1
audjobman
- 1
- 0
Where does the missing energy go?!
When suspending a mass from a spring, we can determine the distance the spring is stretched by using mg=kx. However, if we consider the energy transferred, the gravitational potential energy lost by the mass should equal the energy stored in the spring, no?
But when I use [tex]\Delta[/tex]Eg=mg[tex]\Delta[/tex]h and Ep=½2x2, and I consider that the change in height for the mass and the distance the spring is stretched are the same, then:
mgx=½kx^2
Simplifying this gives me mg=½kx. So, where does the other half of the energy go?
I've tried considering that it must be converted to kinetic energy or thermal energy but I've conducted the experiment and, when the mass is gently lowered to rest, there is no significant heating of the spring that I can see and there is no apparent kinetic energy. Am I missing something?
I'm certain I am. Please help me find my way...
When suspending a mass from a spring, we can determine the distance the spring is stretched by using mg=kx. However, if we consider the energy transferred, the gravitational potential energy lost by the mass should equal the energy stored in the spring, no?
But when I use [tex]\Delta[/tex]Eg=mg[tex]\Delta[/tex]h and Ep=½2x2, and I consider that the change in height for the mass and the distance the spring is stretched are the same, then:
mgx=½kx^2
Simplifying this gives me mg=½kx. So, where does the other half of the energy go?
I've tried considering that it must be converted to kinetic energy or thermal energy but I've conducted the experiment and, when the mass is gently lowered to rest, there is no significant heating of the spring that I can see and there is no apparent kinetic energy. Am I missing something?
I'm certain I am. Please help me find my way...