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There is no external force either on the system. Therefore, the elements of this ideal process are:
System : isolated Energy : kinetic and potential Forces : gravitational and elastic Transfer of energy: No transfer of energy across the system.
WE+WF=K+U
Here,
WE=0 WF=0
K+U=0
2: When only conservative forces interact within an isolated system, sum of the kinetic and potential energy of an isolated system cannot change.
Emech=0
4: When only conservative forces interact within an isolated system, the mechanical energy of an isolated system can not change.
Emech=0
We should be aware that there are two ways to apply conservation law. We can apply it in terms of energy for initial (subscripted with i) and final (subscripted with f) states or in terms of change in energy. This point will be clear as we work with examples. Here, we shall work an example that we had previously analyzed with the help of "work-kinetic energy" theorem. This will help us to understand (i) what are the elements of ideal mechanical process (ii) how conservation principle works and (iii) how does it help simplify analysis.
Example
Problem: A small block of 0.1 kg is released from a height 5 m as shown in the figure. The block following a curved path transitions to a linear horizontal path and hits the spring fixed to a wedge. If no friction is involved and spring constant is 1000 N/m, find the maximum compression of the spring.
Motion of a block
Figure 1
Solution: Here block, curved incline and spring form isolated system. Earth is implicit element of the system. We may argue why incline and why not horizontal surface? Curved incline (its shape) determines the component of gravity driving block downward. Hence, it is included in the system. Horizontal surface also applies force on block, but in normal direction to the motion. Now, as friction is not involved, the horizontal surface is not involved in the exchange of energy. Two of the elements i.e. block and spring are subjected to motion. Application of conservation principle, thus, involves more than one object unlike analysis based on laws of motion. As friction is not involved, we can apply the conservation of mechanical energy. Now, initial energy of the system is:
Ei=K+U=0+mgh=mgh=0.1x10x5=5J
When the compression in the spring is maximized, kinetic energies of both block and spring are zero. Let "x" be the maximum compression,
Ef=K+U=0+12kx2=12kx2Ef==0.5x1000x2=500x2
According to conservation of mechanical energy:
500x2=5x=0.1m=10cm
NOTE:
We can compare this solution with the one given in the module titled " Conservative forces ".
Force analysis at the highest point gives the minimum speed required so that string does not slack. It is important to understand that this is the most critical point, where string might slack. The forces in ydirection :
Fy=mg+T=mv2r
For the limiting case, when T = 0,
mg=mv2rv=(gr)
This expression gives the limiting value of the speed of particle in vertical circular motion. If the speed of the particle is less than this limiting value, then the particle will fall. Once this value is known, we can find speed of the particle at any other point along the circular path by applying conservation of mechanical energy. Here, we shall find speed at two other positions - one at the bottom (C) and other at the middle point (B or D).
EA=K+U=12mvA2+mgx2r=12mgr+2mgr=52mgrEC=K+U=12mv C2+0=12mvC2ED=K+U=12mvD2+mgr
From first two equations, we have:
vC=(5gr)
From last two equations, we have:
vD=(3gr)
This shows how energy analysis can be helpful in situations where force on the object is not constant and path of motion is not straight. However, this example also points out one weak point about energy analysis. For example, the initial condition for minimum speed at the highest can not be obtained using energy analysis and we have to resort to force analysis. What it means that if details of the motion are to be ascertained, then we have to take recourse to force analysis.
Example
Problem 2: The ball is released from a height h along a smooth path shown in the figure. What should be the height h so that ball goes around the loop without falling of the track ?
vB=gr
Corresponding to this requirement at B, the speed of the ball can be obtained at bottom point C by applying conservation of mechanical energy. The speed of the ball as worked out earlier is given as :
vC=5gr
In order to find the height required to impart this speed to the ball at the bottom, we apply law of conservation of energy between A and C.
Ki+Ui=Kf+Uf
Considering ground as zero reference gravitational potential, we have:
5gr=2gh h=5r2