# Block released on frictionless ramp hits spring

1. Nov 5, 2011

### AmagicalFishy

Hi, folks. Studying for an upcoming Physics exam. I've got a few example problems which the professor has solved—and am getting a different answer, but I don't know where the fault is in my reasoning. Could someone tell me whether or not my answer is, too, correct?

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Find the speed of the block at point C.

2. Relevant equations
Kinetic Energy at Point A = 0

Potential Energy at Point A = Mgh

Kinetic Energy at Point B = $\frac{1}{2}$MVB2

Potential Energy at Point B = 0

Velocity at Point B = $\sqrt{2gh}$

Work of Friction = μN(C-B) [μ is the frictional coefficient. N is the normal force. C-B is the distance the block travels on the surface with friction]

3. The attempt at a solution
I came up with this equation, essentially saying the energy of friction from point B to C taken away from the kinetic energy of the block at point B equals the kinetic energy of the block at point C.

M($\sqrt{2gh}$)2$/$2 - μN(C-B) = MVc2$/$2 Which simplifies to:

Mgh - μN(C-B) = MVc2$/$2

Mgh - μMg(C-B) = MVc2$/$2

Mg(h-μ)(C-B) = MVc2$/$2

Solve for Vc to get:

Vc = $\sqrt{2g(h-μ)(C-B)}$

----------

The answer my professor gave was: d$\sqrt{k/m}$

Where d is the point at which the Block compressed the spring by amount d, and k is the spring-coefficient. This answer is much simpler, without a doubt, but I'd like to know if my answer is wrong.

Any help?

Last edited: Nov 5, 2011
2. Nov 5, 2011

### Staff: Mentor

OK. Replace "C-B" with L.

You messed up the simplification.

But more importantly, you are solving for the speed at C for some reason. Instead, you want the maximum compression of the spring. Rather that worry about speed, just think in terms of energy. How much energy is left to compress the spring?

3. Nov 5, 2011

### Filip Larsen

May I addd that by inspecting dimensions you can very easily spot that there is something wrong with your final equation, because in the term h-μ you are subtracting a dimensionless number from a number with dimension length which is a no-no.

4. Nov 5, 2011

### AmagicalFishy

The problem asks for the speed of the block at C. Isn't that what I'm supposed to be solving for?

When you distribute the 2g, it's technically 2hg - 2μg — or does that not matter?

So, then, the answer that I got wasn't different, it was just wrong?

5. Nov 5, 2011

### Staff: Mentor

You actually never posted what the problem was asking for. But since your professor gave an answer for 'd', I assume that's what you were expected to find.

Yes, you solved for the speed at C and got the wrong answer. Here's where you went wrong:
OK.

Not OK.

Mgh - μMg(C-B) = Mg[h - μ(C-B)] ≠ Mg(h-μ)(C-B)

(But use L for the length C-B, since that's what's given.)

6. Nov 5, 2011

### AmagicalFishy

I underlined and bolded what the problem asked for under the picture. I was hoping the underline would emphasize it a bit, but it is a bit hard to catch. Sorry about that.

Though, I very much appreciate the mathematical correction. Now, if I'm not (again) mistaken, the correct answer is:

$\sqrt{2g(h-μL)}$ = Vc

Now, even though my professor and I expressed this answer differently (indicative of us solving it differently), is my answer wrong? I imagine I'm going to solve problems differently on the test, so I just want to make sure that I can at least get the right answer.

Last edited: Nov 6, 2011
7. Nov 6, 2011

### Staff: Mentor

Good. That's the correct answer for Vc.
Your professor and you answered different questions. You solved for the velocity at C; your professor solved for the distance the spring was compressed. One of you answered the wrong question.

Unless this was a multiple part question, I would have assumed that the question asked for the compression of the spring and not Vc. Otherwise why add the spring? (Unless he messed up and asked the wrong question!)

8. Nov 6, 2011

### AmagicalFishy

He may have solved the wrong question. Here was his approach, just to make sure:

Vx = Velocity at Point x
Ex = Total Mechanical Energy at Point x
Kx = Kinetic Energy at Point x
Ux = Potential Energy at Point x
M = Mass of Block
d = Point at which the spring is fully compressed
c = Point C (in diagram)
k = Spring Constant

—————

Kc = $\frac{1}{2}$MVc2

Uc = 0

Kd = 0

Ud = $\frac{1}{2}$kd2

—————

Ed = Ec

$\frac{1}{2}$MVc2 = $\frac{1}{2}$kd2

Solve for Vc and get. . .

Vc = d$\sqrt{k/m}$

—————

It seems like he solved for Vc, just very differently. Sorry to pester (believe it or not, very slowly typing out the processes involved in solving these problems is helping me. ). Thanks for your help, by the way.

9. Nov 6, 2011

### AmagicalFishy

Wait! I've figured out why my answer doesn't work.

Mechanical energy isn't conserved on a surface with friction—some of that energy inevitably turns into heat energy, right?

10. Nov 6, 2011

### Staff: Mentor

Ah, my bad. I misread your professor's answer. He wasn't solving for d, he was using d to solve for Vc. (Just like you said!)

Either method is valid. You found Vc in terms of the original height and friction; he found Vc in terms of d.

Unless your professor stated that he wanted Vc in terms of d, then your answer is fine.

11. Nov 6, 2011

### Staff: Mentor

One small issue is that the problem statement did not specify the coefficient of friction, or even mention it. So it's not one of the variables or constants "on the menu", so to speak.

12. Nov 6, 2011

### Staff: Mentor

Excellent point! I'm embarrassed to say that I missed that entirely.

Since you don't have--even symbolically--any information about the coefficient of friction, your only choice is to do what your professor did: Solve for Vc in terms of d, which is given. (So in that sense your answer is wrong.)

(Of course the next logical step might be to solve for μ in terms of the given data. That can be done.)