A block collides with a horizontal spring

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

A 2.7 kg block collides with a horizontal spring with a spring constant of 356 N/m, compressing it by 13.0 cm. The work done by the spring in bringing the block to rest is calculated using the formula W = 0.5kx², resulting in 3.0 J. The frictional force, calculated as 6.35 N, must be considered when determining the net work done on the block. The initial assumption of simply multiplying the spring force by the distance is incorrect without accounting for the work done against friction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law (F = kx)
  • Knowledge of work-energy principles (W = Fd)
  • Familiarity with kinetic friction calculations (f_k = μ_k * n)
  • Basic grasp of potential energy in springs (U_s = 0.5kx²)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the work-energy theorem in detail.
  • Learn about energy conservation in mechanical systems.
  • Explore the effects of friction on motion and energy transfer.
  • Practice problems involving springs and friction to solidify understanding.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and energy concepts, as well as educators looking for examples of spring dynamics and friction effects.

ohhi
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A moving 2.7 kg block collides with a horizontal spring whose spring constant is 356 N/m.

The block compresses the spring a maximum distance of 13.0 cm from its rest postion. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the horizontal surface is 0.24. What is the work done by the spring in bringing the block to rest?

Homework Equations


F=kx
w=F*S
f_k=mu_k * n

The Attempt at a Solution



F= 356 N * .13 m = 46.28 N, so the box exerts 46.28 N on the spring.

The force from friction is .24 * 2.7 kg * 9.80 m/s = 6.35.
From here I am unsure of where to go. I was under the impression that I'd simple multiply 46.28 N * .13 m, but that isn't giving me the correct answer. Do I need to also subtract the work done by friction? I had assumed that was taken into account by removing the 6.35. Input would be greatly appreciated.

Edit: Am I simply getting it wrong because I'm not putting in a negative sign?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Use energies ...
See the work related equations:
W = Fd
W = change in U
Us = 0.5kx^2 ...
 
rootX said:
Use energies ...
See the work related equations:
W = Fd
W = change in U
Us = 0.5kx^2 ...

So, Us= 3.0 = W?
 

Similar threads

Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
10K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K