Task 1 (Elastic Potential Energy)

1. State Hooke’s Law both in words and equation form.

Hooke’s Law states that the force required to compress or stretch a spring or elastic band is
directly proportional (or in ratio to) the amount of distance or displacement from its
position at rest.
Its equation form is Fs = -k Δx where Fs is the force exerted by the spring or elastic in its
attempt to return to its resting position in newtons, k is the force constant (stiffness of the
spring) in N/m and Δx is the displacement of the spring or elastic from the resting position.
It can also be stated as Fapp = k Δx where Fapp represents the force used on the spring in order
to stretch or compress it.

2. Consider the concepts related to springs. Choose one of the following to answer:
i. Compare and contrast restoring force and applied force.
Applied force is the force exerted upon a spring in order to achieve the result of a
compressed or stretched spring.
Restoring force is the response exhibited by the spring when reacting to an applied force.
The spring exerts a force in the opposite direction of the applied force as it attempts to
return to its original resting position.
The magnitude of each of these forces will always be equal and opposite in direction to each
other since as stated in Newton’s third law every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
In this case the applied force is the action and the restoring force is the reaction.
ii. Compare and contrast a real spring and an ideal spring.

3. Spring A is harder to stretch than Spring B. Explain how the spring force constants of
each spring would compare in this situation.
In this situation, Spring A would have a higher force constant than spring B meaning that
Spring A is stiffer. Therefore, it requires a larger applied force to be displaced from its
resting position. Spring B would require less force to be stretched or compressed due to its
smaller force constant meaning it is less stiff.
4. Using the image below as an aid, describe the energy conversions a spring undergoes
during simple harmonic motion as it moves from the point of maximum compression
to maximum stretch in a frictionless environment. Be sure to indicate the points at
which there will be
i) Maximum speed
ii) Minimum speed
 iii) Minimum acceleration

At the point of maximum compression, all the energy is in the form of elastic potential
energy. Since there is no kinetic energy at the moment this is when the speed will be at a
minimum. Additionally, the acceleration is at a maximum because the force applied on the
spring is highest here. The spring will then return to its resting position at the equilibrium.
Through this movement the elastic potential energy has been converted to kinetic energy.
This is when the speed is at a maximum since the energy is entirely kinetic. Also, the
acceleration will be at a minimum since there is no force currently acting on the spring so as
per Newton’s second law (F=ma), the acceleration must be a 0. Lastly, the spring will go to
the point of maximum stretch. Just like at the point of maximum compression, energy is
once again converted to elastic potential energy, the speed is a minimum and the
acceleration is at a maximum.

5. A mass of 4.0 kg is in motion along a horizontal, frictionless surface with a speed of

2.5 m/s when it makes contact with a horizontal spring anchored to a wall. The
spring compresses and brings the mass to a momentary rest. The spring constant is
1250 N/m.
i. Determine the maximum distance the spring is compressed.
Given: m = 4.0 kg
v = 2.5 m/s
k = 1250 N/m
Required: Δx = ?
Analysis:
The energy of the spring is constant throughout the entire process due to conservation of
energy which states that total energy is constant in any closed system. The initial energy is
purely kinetic when the spring is at its resting position and when the spring is compressed it
is purely potential. By equating the initial amount of kinetic energy to the final amount of
potential energy and isolating for x, the distance the spring is compressed can be found.
Solving for Δx:
ET initial = ET final
Ek = Ee
1/2mv2 = 1/2k(Δx)2
½(4.0kg)(2.5 m/s)2 = ½(1250 N/m) (Δx)2
12.5 = 625(Δx)2
x = √ 12.5/625
= 0.1414
= 0.141 m (3 sig. figures)
Statement:
Therefore, the maximum distance the spring is compressed is 0.141 m (answer given to 3
significant figures).
ii. Determine the speed of the block when the spring is compressed a
distance of 9.5 cm.
Given: m = 4.0 kg
k = 1250 N/m
Δx = 9.5 cm or 0.095 m
Required: v = ?
Analysis:
Just like the first part of this question the conservation of energy applies. When the spring is
compressed at 9.5 cm the total kinetic and potential energy will be equal to the total
potential energy when it is completely compressed. So, by equating the amount of kinetic
energy in addition to the amount of potential energy at that point to the total final amount
of potential energy, I can isolate v to find the speed of the block.
Solving for v:
1/2mv2 + 1/2k(Δx)2 = 1/2k(Δx)2
½(4.0kg)v2 + ½(1250 N/m)(0.095 m)2 = 1/2(1250 N/m)(0.1414 m)2
2v2 + 5.640625 = 12.496225
2v2 = 6.8556
v = √ 6.8556/2
= 1.851
= 1.9 m/s (2 sig. figures)
Statement:
Therefore, the speed of the block when the spring is compressed a distance of 9.5 cm is 1.9
m/s (answer given to 2 significant figures).

6. A toy spring launcher is used to launch a 10.5 g object into the air. The spring of the
launcher is initially compressed 6.0 cm. The spring has a spring constant of 5.2 x 10²
N/m.
i. Determine the elastic potential energy of the compressed spring.

Given: k = 5.2 x 102 N/m

Δx = 6.0 cm or 0.060 m

m = 10.5 g or 0.0105 kg

Required: W = Ee = ?

Analysis:

The work done on the spring to compress it is representative of the amount of elastic
potential energy the spring is storing. So, using the equation to find the work done on the
spring, I will solve for the elastic potential energy of the compressed spring.

Solving for Ee:

Ee = 1/2k(Δx)2

= ½(5.2 x 102 N/m)(0.060 m)2

= 0.936

= 0.94 J (2 sig. figures)

Statement:

Therefore, the elastic potential energy of the compressed spring is 0.94 J (answer given to 2
significant figures).

ii. Determine the speed of the object as it is ejected upward from the
launcher.

Given: k = 5.2 x 102 N/m

Δx = 6.0 cm or 0.060

M = 10.5 g or 0.0105 kg

Ee = 0.936 J
Required: v = ?

Analysis:

In the previous part of the question, I found that the elastic potential energy of the
compressed spring is equal to 0.936 Joules. During the ejection of the object from the
launcher, this energy is transferred to the ball that is being shot in the air in the form of
kinetic energy. So, by equating the elastic potential energy of the compressed spring to the
kinetic energy of the ball I can find the speed of the object by isolating v.

Solving for v:

Ee = 1/2mv2

0.936 J = ½(0.0105 kg)v2

0.936 J = 0.00525v2

v = √ 0.936/0.00525

= 13.35

= 13 m/s (2 sig. figures)

Statement:

Therefore, the speed of the object as it is ejected upward from the launcher is 13 m/s
(answer given to 2 significant figures).

Task 2 (Momentum and Collisions)

Complete the following:

1. State the names of the two classifications of collisions covered in Unit 2.

The names of the two classifications of collisions covered in Unit 2 are elastic collisions,
inelastic collisions and completely inelastic collisions.

2. Define each type of collision from Part 1

Elastic collisions are where two objects collide and forcibly bounce off each other while
retaining all of their mechanical energy. During this type of collision, the momentum and
kinetic energy of the objects remain the same both before and after the collision. Elastic
collision can occur between two objects that bounce very well.
Inelastic collisions are where two objects collide and bounce off each other less forcibly and
lose a little of their mechanical energy. While the momentum of the objects is the same at
the beginning and end of colliding, the kinetic energy of the objects decreases throughout
the process due to some of the energy being converted to thermal or other types of energy
during collision. Inelastic collisions can occur between two objects that are more difficult to
bounce.

There are also completely inelastic collisions where the two objects that collide do not
bounce off each other at all. This is the type of collisions where the objects lose the most
mechanical energy. The momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is lost through
conversion to thermal and/or other energy types.

3. From the examples below choose only two and indicate the type of collision each
represents. Justify each choice using concepts from this unit.

i. Two billiard balls are moving toward each other along an essentially
frictionless surface and collide head-on.

This example illustrates an elastic collision. Billiard balls are objects that bounce well and
therefore when a collision occurs, they bounce off each other quite forcibly in the opposite
direction. Throughout this, they maintain all of their mechanical energy and the initial
momentum and kinetic energies are equal to that of the final.

ii. While distracted by the sun, a driver heading eastbound doesn’t see a stop
sign and proceeds to drive through an intersection. Meanwhile, another car
travelling southbound enters the intersection and collides with the
eastbound vehicle. Both cars remain together after the initial contact occurs.

This example illustrates a completely inelastic collision since there is no separation after the
objects collide. During the crash, the momentum is conserved though most of the energy is
converted to thermal and the mechanical energy of the cars is greatly decreased.

iii. Standing at the baseline of a tennis court, a tennis player tosses a tennis ball
over her head swings at the ball. The racquet hits the tossed ball and travels
to the other side of the tennis court.
iv. A rubber ball is thrown at an aluminum can. Hitting the can, the ball causes a
dent in the can.

4. In an elastic head-on collision, a 0.60 kg cart moving at 5.0 m/s [W] collides with a
0.80 kg cart moving at 2.0 m/s [E]. The collision is cushioned by a spring (k = 1200
N/m).

i. Determine the velocity of each cart after the collision.

Given: mcart 1 = 0.60 kg

mcart 2 = 0.80 kg
 vcart 1 i = 5.0 m/s [W]

vcart 2 i = 2.0 m/s [E]

k = 1200 N/m

Required: vcart 1 f = ?

Vcart 2 f = ?

Analysis:

With respect to the Earth’s frame of reference, both carts are in motion.

If I use a frame of reference relative to cart 2, where it is represented as being at rest, I must
add 2.0 m/s [W] to each velocity (the opposite to the initial velocity of the second cart). So,
cart 1 will now have a velocity of 7.0 m/s [W] and cart 2 will be stationary with a velocity of
0 m/s.

Solving for Vcart 1 f:

v1f = v1i(m1 – m2)/(m1+m2)

= (7.0 m/s)(0.60 kg – 0.80kg)/(0.60kg + 0.80 kg)

= (-1.4)/(1.40 kg)

= -1 m/s

= -1.0 m/s [W]

Adjusting back to the Earth’s frame of reference by adding 2.0 m/s [E] or -2.0 m/s [W]:

V2f = -1.0 m/s - 2.0 m/s

= -3.0 m/s [W]

= 3.0 m/s [E]

Solving for vcart2 f:

v2f = (2m1)v1i/(m1 + m2)

= 2(0.60 kg)(7.0 m/s)/(0.60 kg + 0.80 kg)

= 8.4/1.4 kg

= 6 m/s
 = 6.0 m/s [W]

Adjusting back to the Earth’s frame of reference by adding 2.0 m/s [E] or -2.0 m/s [W]

v1f = 6.0 m/s - 2.0 m/s

= 4.0 m/s [W]

Statement:

Therefore, the final velocity for cart 1 after the collision will be 3.0 m/s [E] and the final
velocity for cart 2 after the collision will be 4.0 m/s [W] (answers given to 2 significant
figures).

ii. Determine the maximum compression of the spring.

Given: mcart 1 = 0.60 kg

mcart 2 = 0.80 kg

vcart 1 i = 5.0 m/s [W]

vcart 2 i = 2.0 m/s [E]

k = 1200 N/m

Required : Δx = ?

Analysis:

Due to the conservation of energy, the sum of kinetic energy of both the carts will be equal
to the potential energy of the spring. So to solve for the maximum compression I will equate
the sum of the kinetic energies of the carts to the potential energy of the spring and isolate
x.

Solving for Δx:

Ek1 + Ek2 = Ee

1/2m1v12 + 1/2m1v12 = 1/2k(Δx)2

½(0.60kg)(5.0 m/s)2 + 1/2(0.80 kg)(2.0 m/s)2 = ½(1200 N/m)(Δx)2

7.5 + 1.6 = 600(Δx)2

x = √ 9.1/600

= 0.1232
 = 0.12 m

Statement:

Therefore, the maximum compression of the spring is 0.12 m (answer given to 2 significant
figures).

5. Choose one of the following problems and solve it completely:

i. At a road intersection, a 1200 kg car travelling southward at 18.0 m/s collides

with a 975 kg car travelling eastward at 33.3 m/s. As seen in the diagram
below. The cars remain together after the collision. Determine the direction
and speed that the damaged cars travel after they collide (ignore friction).

Initial velocity diagram:

V1ix: 0 m/s

V1iy: 18.0 m/s [S]

Given:

V2ix: 33.3 m/s [E]

V2iy: 0 m/s

m1: 1200 kg

m2: 975 kg
 v1i: 18.0 m/s [S]

v2i: 33.3 m/s [E]

Required:

V1and2f: ?

Analysis:

I will let north and east be the positive directions. For the x and y components I will use the
conservation of momentum understanding that this is a completely inelastic collision where
both masses stay together.

Solving for x-components:

PTotal initialx = PTotal finalx

m1v1ix + m2v2ix = (m1 + m2)v1and2fx

(1200 kg)(0 m/s) +(975 kg)(33.3 m.s [E]) = (1200 kg + 975 kg)v 1and2fx

32467.5 m/s /2175 kg = v1and2fx

V1and2fx = 14.9 m/s [E] (3 sig figs)

Solving for y-components:

PTotal initialy = PTotal finaly

m1v1iy + m2v2iy = (m1 + m2)v1and2fy

(1200kg)(-18.0 m/s [N]) + (975 kg)(0 m/s) = (1200 kg + 975 kg)v 1and2fx

(-21600 m/s)/2175 kg = v1and2fy

V1and2fy = -9.93 m/s [N] (3 sig figs)

Resultant:

-9.93 m/s [N] Vf

θ
14.9 m/s [E]
 m 2 2
m
V1and2f =
√( 14.9
s)( + −9.93
s )
m2
√
= 320.6149
s2

= 17.9 m/s (3 significant figures)

Solving for direction:

θ = tan-1(9.93 m/s / 14.9 m/s)

= 33.68o
= 33.7o

Statement:

Therefore, the final velocity of the two vehicles is 17.9 m/s [E34 oS] (answer given to 3
significant figures).

ii. Jogger 1 is travelling east at 6.5 m/s and has a mass of 82 kg. Jogger 2 is travelling
north at 5.8 m/s and has a mass of 54.5 kg. One of the joggers has their head down
and doesn’t see the other, resulting in a right-angle collision. Both joggers are locked
together after the collision. Determine the direction and speed of the two joggers
after the collision.