Question

The free length of the spring that is attached to the 0.3-lb slider is 3 in. If the slider is released from rest when x = 6 in., calculate its initial acceleration. Neglect friction.

Answer 1

Answer:

a = 64 ft / s²

Explanation:

The force in a spring is given by Hooke's law

          F = -k x

Let's use the initial data to calculate the spring constant

         k = F / x

Reduscate to the English system

          x = 3 in (1foot/12 in) =0.25 foot

         k = 0.3 / 0.25

         k = 1.2  lb / foot

Now we can use Newton's second law

        F = ma

        a = F / m

        a = -k x / m

        m = w / g

        m = 0.3 / 32 = 0.009375

         x= 6 in (1foot /12 in)= 0.5 foot

        a = - 1.2  0.5  / 0.009375

        a = 64 ft / s²