A mass m=5.2 kg is attached to the end of a spring with a spring constant of k=15.6 N/m. The mass moves through a viscous damping medium with a damping constant b=1.8 kg/s giving a velocity dependent damping force Fdamp= -bv.

Question

The motion occurs in zero gravity so set the force of gravity to ZERO in your program. Also set the equilibrium position L0=0. The mass is initially motionless and displaced from equilibrium by a distance yinitial=0.2 m.

What is the energy of the spring-mass system at the initial position of the mass? (the spring-mass system does not include the damping medium)

Answer 1

It is NOT MOVING (This is a trick question)

total energy = (1/2) k x^2
= (1/2)(15.6)(.04)