Tagged Questions
1
vote
3answers
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What is the mathematical justification for the quadratic approximation to the energy of a spring in a one-dimensional lattice?
It follows easily from this draw, the length $l$ of this spring as a function of the vertical distance $x$, as $l(x)=\sqrt{1+x^{2}}$
Now, $l$ can be expressed as a MacLaurin expansion:
$$l(x) = ...
4
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2answers
246 views
Potential energy of a spring
I'm puzzled about the potential energy of a spring. A spring is a conservative system. So the potential energy should be defined only up to a constant -- can be defined to be 0 anywhere. However, ...
0
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2answers
96 views
Why is the spring constant $W_p''(0)$?
According to my physics book, the spring constant can be calculated from knowing the potential energy, with the formula $k = W_p''(0)$.
I don't really understand why, and the book doesn't explain it ...
1
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0answers
132 views
Potential energy of a spring
I have a little problem with the potential energy of a spring... I hope you can help me!
I have two coupled pendula, given by two masses $m$ fixed to two rigid bars (that haven't any mass) and with ...
