Question: A mass m is suspended from the ceiling by a spring and is free to move vertically in the y direction as indicated in Figure.

A mass m is suspended from the ceiling by a spring and is free to move vertically in the y direction as indicated in Figure. We are given that the potential energy as a function of position is U = ½ky2 – 3gy 

(a) Sketch U as a function of y. What value of y corresponds to the unstretched condition of the spring, y0

(b) From the given expression for U, find the net downward force acting on m at any position y. 

(c) The mass is released from rest at y = 0; if there is no friction, what is the maximum value ymax that will be reached by the mass? Indicate ymax on your sketch. 

(d) Now consider the effect of friction. The mass ultimately settles down into an equilibrium position yeq . Find this point on your sketch. 

(e) Find the amount of thermal energy produced by friction from the start of the operation to the final equilibrium.

A mass m is suspended from the ceiling by a

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