"1) A spring is suspended from the ceiling. A mass of 2.50 kg is suspended from the spring, causing it to stretch 0.010 m. If the mass is pulled down an additional 0.015 m, what is the net force on the spring? 2) If the mass is released from that point, what will the acceleration of the mass at the instant it is released be? Will the acceleration change after the mass begins to move?"

I've already solved part 1, but I'm not sure about part 2. There is the force of gravity exerting a downward force on the mass, and if you normally drop a mass, the acceleration will be 9.8 m/s^2.

Question

"1) A spring is suspended from the ceiling. A mass of 2.50 kg is suspended from the spring, causing it to stretch 0.010 m. If the mass is pulled down an additional 0.015 m, what is the net force on the spring? 2) If the mass is released from that point, what will the acceleration of the mass at the instant it is released be? Will the acceleration change after the mass begins to move?"

I've already solved part 1, but I'm not sure about part 2. There is the force of gravity exerting a downward force on the mass, and if you normally drop a mass, the acceleration will be 9.8 m/s^2.

anonymous · Answer

The mass is suspended above the ground, so it will be falling downwards. If someone could walk me through this, I'd really appreciate it.

irishboy123 · Answer

by *released*, remember it is still attached to the spring. i assume that is clear?!?!?

so it must accelerate upwards.  ie if k x0 = mg at equilibrium, then k(x0 + x) = mg + F when it is extended beyond equilibrium.  F pulls it upwards.

anonymous · Answer

Ooooooohhh! Now I get it! I thought the mass was being detached from the spring, aha. This makes it much clearer, and I now know how to solve it. Thank you so much, I really appreciate it :D