1. ## Work/energy

heres the problem

heres my work

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...istx/faaaa.jpg

The speed is supposed to be 5.18 but im not getting that...

any ideas?

2. ok first i am going to convert all the units given in tat question to SI units (i was taught in SI units)

mass of the collar, m = 0.17 kg (1 oz = 0.0283495231 kg)
spring constant, k =875.83 N/m (1 lb/in = 175.166 N/m)
distance spring compressed, x = 0.0381 m (1 inch = 0.0254 m)

Now total elastic potential energy,EPE stored in the spring before release is given by the formula,
$
EPE = \frac{1}{2}kx^2
$

$
EPE = \frac{1}{2}(875.83)(0.0381)^2
$

$
EPE = 0.635681793J
$

The collar is then released. At point B, the collar has already traveled 10 inches (0.254 m) vertically upwards.

Hence gravitational potential energy,GPE gained by the collar is:
$
GPE = mgh
$

$
GPE = (0.17)(9.81)(0.254)
$

$
GPE = 0.4235958J
$

using principle of conservation of energy the total energy of the system is conserved:

Initial energy = final energy
EPE = Kinetic energy + GPE
0.635681793J = KE + 0.4235958J
KE = 0.21085993 J

from the formula of kinetic energy, KE:
$
\frac{1}{2}mv^2 = 0.21085993
$

$
v^2 = \frac{2(0.21085993)}{0.17}
$

$
v = 1.579597838 ms^{-1} = 5.1824 fts^{-1} \longrightarrow (1 ms^{-1} = 3.2808399fts^{-1})
$

well as for the force part take note that:

elastic potential energy, EPE = $\frac{1}{2}kx^2 = \frac{1}{2}Fx$

3. Thanks!....that really helped.....i realized one of my big problems was converting the spring constant which is what I forgot......I like working in metric better as well.....U.S. Customary is a pain.....

What is the strategy for finding the force the collar is putting on the rod?

4. the motion of the collar now is in a circle, hence we can consider centrifugal and centripetal force acting on the collar.
$
F = ma
$

$
F = mr\omega ^2
$

$
F = mr{(\frac{v}{r})}^2 \longrightarrow v = r\omega
$

$
F = m(\frac{v^2}{r})\longrightarrow (1)
$

well you have already calculated the linear speed,v (do not confuse with angular speed $\omega$) of the collar previously also r and m are given in the question. Hence just substitute those values into equation (1) and solve for F remember to state the direction of the force on the collar as well which in this case at point B is inwards (towards the left/ towarsd the center of the circle)

elastic potential energy, EPE = $\frac{1}{2}kx^2 = \frac{1}{2}Fx$
Be VERY careful here. $\vec{F} = -k \vec{x}$. If you aren't careful your spring potential energy will be the negative of what you are looking for!