Question

Suppose a 0.30-kg mass on a spring-loaded gun that has been compressed 0.10 m has elastic potential energy of 1.0 J. How high above the spring's equilibrium point can the gun fire the mass if the gun is fired straight up?

Answer 1

Answer:

   h = 0.34 m

Explanation:

For this problem we can use the law of conservation of energy. Let's write the energy in two points

Lower. In the gun

        Em₀ = 1.0 J

Higher.

         $Em_{f}$ = U = m g h

As there is no friction the mechanical energy is conserved

         Em₀ = Em_{f}

         

         Em₀ = m g h

         h = Em₀ / m g

Let's calculate

        h = 1.0 / 0.30 9.8

        h = 0.34 m