Spring Launchers
Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 59 of 94.
A squeezed spring can launch an object. On a smooth, level surface all its elastic energy becomes kinetic energy:
½ k x² = ½ m v²
The spring pushes the ball until it reaches its natural length.
The object leaves the spring at its natural length, at top speed. Twice the squeeze gives twice the launch speed.
The 4 J in the spring becomes 4 J of kinetic energy.
Challenge
A toy dart gun fires a 0.02 kg dart at 5 m/s from a spring squeezed 0.05 m. Find the spring constant k.
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