A platform of mass 0.8 kg is supported on four springs (only two springs are shown in the picture, but there are four altogether). A chunk of modeling clay of mass 0.6 kg is held above the table and dropped so that it hits the table with a speed of v = 0.9 m / s. The clay sticks to the table so that the table and clay oscillate up and down together. Finally, the table comes to rest 6 cm below its original position. What is the effective spring constant of all four springs taken together? With what amplitude does the platform oscillate immediately after the clay hits the platform?
Explanation / Answer
Given thatthe mass of the clay is m = 0.6 kg Mass of theplatform is M = 0.8 kg velocityof the clay is v = 0.9 m/s spring from theiniital poistion is x = 6 cm = 0.06m ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Apply conservationof energy before collision and when the spring is in compressedposition (1/2)mv2 + mgx = 4*(1/2)Kx2 mv2 + 2mgx = 4*Kx2 K = ( mv2 + 2mgx) /4*x2 =----------- N/m