A Spring in a Conservation of Energy Problem?

AI Thread Summary
A block with a mass of 7.20 kg is released from a height of 9 m on a frictionless ramp, and the discussion focuses on calculating the maximum compression of a spring with a spring constant of 306 N/m. The initial kinetic energy is determined using conservation of energy, resulting in a final velocity of 13.2816 m/s at the ramp's base. Participants clarify that the maximum compression of the spring can be found using the elastic potential energy formula, E_e = 1/2 kx^2. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding both gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy in solving the problem. Ultimately, the participants reach a consensus on the correct approach to find the spring's maximum compression.
PhysicsPhun
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Not totally lost but for the most part.. I'm pretty lost..

A Block of mass m = 7.20 kg is released from rest at a heigh of H = 9 m on a curved frictionless ramp. At the foot of the ramp is a spring whose spring constant is k = 306 N/m. What is the maximum compression of the spring, x?

Alright so using conservation of energy, i got the final velocity to be 13.2816 m/s. The "ramp" becomes flat, and is frictionless, so there is no acceleration, correct?
This is where i am stuck.
The only thing i can think of to find the maximum compression of the spring is: F = -Kx

Is there anything else i can do? Or is there something i am missing?

Thanks.
 
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You'd have an easier time with a simpler energy argument.

E_e = \frac{1}{2}kx^2

Where E_e is the elastic energy due to the compression in the spring.

cookiemonster
 
Elastic potential energy?

Would that just be the potential energy before the block begins to move at the top of the ramp?
 
Wow, I got it. Thanks alot. Very much appreciated.
 

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