Energy with Springs
Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 60 of 94.
Without friction, kinetic energy, gravitational PE and elastic PE add up to the same total:
½ m v² + m g h + ½ k x² = constant
A smooth ramp, a level floor and a spring at the wall.
Write the total at two moments and set them equal. Where the object stops for an instant, its KE is 0.
Energy bars for the 2 kg block: PE becomes KE, then spring energy.
Challenge
A toy launcher points straight up. Its spring, with k = 490 N/m, is squeezed 0.2 m under a 0.5 kg ball. Find the height h the ball reaches above its starting point.
Try it yourself
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Mechanics
1Vectors and Newton's Laws
Right TrianglesWhat is a Vector?Adding VectorsAxes and DirectionsVector ComponentsForces Around UsFriction and TensionNewton's First LawNewton's Second LawNewton's Third LawRecap - Net Force2Friction
What is Friction?Static FrictionKinetic FrictionFriction and Newton's LawsRecap - Sliding Crate3Inclined Planes
Forces on an InclineGravity ComponentsFrictionless InclineIncline with FrictionWill It Slide?Recap - Ramp Challenge6Projectile Motion
Independent AxesHorizontal LaunchLaunch at an AngleRange and Max HeightRecap - Hit the Target9Work and Energy
WorkKinetic EnergyWork-Energy TheoremGravitational PEConservation of EnergyPowerRecap - Roller Coaster12Impulse and Momentum
MomentumImpulseConservation of MomentumElastic CollisionsInelastic CollisionsRecap - Air Track15Simple Harmonic Motion
What is SHM?Mass on a SpringThe PendulumSHM GraphsEnergy in SHMRecap - Oscillator