Scribd
Upload
75 views2 pages

Work and Energy (Variable Forces) - Example

The document discusses a problem involving a 500-lb block compressed against a spring and the subsequent projection of the block along a level plane after the external force is released. It provides calculations for the work done by the spring and friction, leading to the determination that the block will be projected 1.5 feet. Key variables include the spring constant, friction coefficient, and displacement of the spring.

Uploaded by

mynjqdvjzz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
75 views2 pages

Work and Energy (Variable Forces) - Example

The document discusses a problem involving a 500-lb block compressed against a spring and the subsequent projection of the block along a level plane after the external force is released. It provides calculations for the work done by the spring and friction, leading to the determination that the block will be projected 1.5 feet. Key variables include the spring constant, friction coefficient, and displacement of the spring.

Uploaded by

mynjqdvjzz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

WORK AND ENERGY

Example of Variable forces in work Energy

1. At the instant shown in the figure below, an external force has pushed the 500-lb block
against the spring, thereby compressing the spring 6 in. If the spring constant is 100 lb
per in., how far will the block be projected along the level plane (for which μ = 0.2) when
the external force is released?

500lb

Given: Δx = 6 in. Required: x when external force is released


k = 100
μ = 0.2

Solution:
W

Motion of the block after external


force is released
500lb Wsp
ƒ

*note from module: The work done is positive if the applied force is in the same direction as the direction of motion
and we can also consider that the force applied by the spring is positive
* Since there is no initial extension or compression of the spring we can say that it started from its free length,
therefore x =6-0

Fi = kx
Fi = (100)(6)
Fi = 600 lb
* Final force exerted by the spring will be zero since we are concerned with how far will the block be projected
along the level plane Ff = 0

* Δx = 6 in (given)

Force – displacement Diagram

Force

6 in= ft.
600 lb (Force-Displacement Diagram for the spring)

Displacement
-100 lb
x
(Force-Displacement Diagram for the friction)

∑ W = m(v2 - v02)

* ∑ 𝑊 will be the areas of the Force-Displacement Diagram (Force-Displacement Diagram for the friction is
negative because it direction is opposite to the direction of motion)

(600) – 100(s) = m(v2 - v02)

* initial and final velocity will be 0 since it will start from rest and it will end until it will stop

(600) – 100(s) = m(02 - 02)

(600) – 100(s) = 0
s =1.5 ft

You might also like