In: Physics
Suppose a mass m is on a spring that has been compressed a distance h. How much further must the spring be compressed to triple the elastic potential energy?
1.7 h
0.73 h
1.0 h
3.0 h
2.0 h
Mass on the spring = m
Force constant of the spring = k
Initial compression of the spring = h
Initial potential energy of the spring = E1
E1 = kh2/2
New compression of the spring = X
New potential energy of the spring = E2
E2 = kX2/2
The potential energy of the spring is tripled in this compression.
E2 = 3E1
kX2/2 = 3kh2/2
X2 = 3h2
X = 1.73h
Additional compression of the spring from the initial compression = X
X = X - h
X = 1.73h - h
X = 0.73h
Additional compression of the spring to triple the elastic potential energy = 0.73h