Re: oscillations test question

[Bernard Cleyet <anngeorg@PACBELL.NET>]

Do that's why you subjected it oscillations ...!

bc

Robert Cohen wrote:

> I asked...
>
> > If the 200 grams is then stretched a distance x from the new
> > equilibrium point, the potential energy relative to the new=20
> > equilibrium point is equal to 1/2 kx^2.  What do you call the
> > quantity 1/2 kx^2?  The difference in the elastic-gravitational
> > potential energy?
>
> to which Bernard Cleyet responded...
>
> > You streatched it additionally by increasing the g field?
> > =20
> > How about "doing it" horizontally using kinesthetic energy?
>
> I stretch it by taking hold of the 200-grams and pulling it down.
> I then let go.  It oscillates with an amplitude x.  As it
> oscillates, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy
> and visa-versa.  The difference in potential energy (relative to
> the equilibrium point x=3D0) can be calculated as
> 1/2 kx^2 but this reflects the *combined* potential energies of
> both elastic and gravitational.  So, my question is "what
> do you call 1/2 kx^2?"  It isn't just elastic.  It isn't
> just gravitational.  It is both.
>
> P.S. I can avoid the problem by only examining horizontal
> springs but, in my building, it is much easier to use
> vertical springs.
>
> __________________________________________
> Robert Cohen; rcohen@po-box.esu.edu; 570-422-3428; http://www.esu.edu=
> /~bbq
> Physics, East Stroudsburg Univ., E. Stroudsburg, PA 18301
>
> This posting is the position of the writer, not that of SUNY-BSC, NAU or the AAPT.

This posting is the position of the writer, not that of SUNY-BSC, NAU or the AAPT.