Open-Response Homework Problem 16.1 A cat toy consists of a long spring with a f
ID: 1323525 • Letter: O
Question
Open-Response Homework Problem 16.1 A cat toy consists of a long spring with a fake mouse of some inertia m attached to one end. The other end is attached to the ceiling. The mouse is initially at rest. A cat pulls the mouse down, holds it at rest for a moment, and releases it. Consider the motion of the mouse from the time the cat releases it, until it returns to its equilibrium position, and take the mouse alone to be your system. Neglect the inertia of the spring. (a)[6 pt(s)____]What forces act on the mouse, in what directions? Are the forces constant? (bfl7 pt(s)____ ]Give the equation you would use to calculate the net work done on the mouse (if you had numbers).Explanation / Answer
forces acting on the mouse = mg downwards
kx = spring force upwards
forces are balanced in the equilibrium position
when the mouse moves upwards kx is greater than mg
when it moves down then mg is greater than kx
K = spring constant
x = extension
at equilibrium kx = mg
work done = energy stored in the spring = .5 x k x X^2
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