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.

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)

It is NOT MOVING (This is a trick question)

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

To find the energy of the spring-mass system at the initial position of the mass, we need to calculate the potential energy stored in the spring when the mass is displaced from equilibrium.

The potential energy stored in a spring is given by the equation:

Potential energy (U) = (1/2) * k * (displacement)^2

Here, the spring constant (k) is 15.6 N/m, and the displacement (yinitial) is 0.2 m.

Substituting these values into the equation, we get:

Potential energy (U) = (1/2) * 15.6 N/m * (0.2 m)^2

Calculating this expression will give us the energy of the spring-mass system at the initial position of the mass.