Find Bullet Speed in Spring & Mass System: k, M, m, d

[STEMucator]

Homework Statement

A spring whose spring constant is $k$ is suspended from the ceiling. A block of mass $M$ hangs from the spring. A bullet of mass $m$ is fired vertically upward into the bottom of the block and stops inside of the block. The spring's max compression $d$ is measured.

Find an expression for the bullets speed in terms of $k, M, m, d$.

Homework Equations

Conservation of energy in an isolated system and conservation of momentum.

The Attempt at a Solution

This question is pretty straightforward, but I was curious about something. When I found my final answer it didn't depend on gravitational energy at all. Why isn't there any gravitational energy to consider in this scenario?

Was the question just poorly made in the sense they didn't give a height?

 

[haruspex]

When I found my final answer it didn't depend on gravitational energy at all.

Do you mean that g does not feature in your answer? It does in my answer. Please post your answer, and preferably your working too.

 

[STEMucator]

Do you mean that g does not feature in your answer? It does in my answer. Please post your answer, and preferably your working too.

Back from work. After re-thinking the scenario I came up with this, but I'm not entirely sure if its on the right track:

http://gyazo.com/8de8cb8a69bd650d093831b76635e2b7
http://gyazo.com/9073b517125b2f717cd22c3b5fdb9dae

 

[haruspex]

Back from work. After re-thinking the scenario I came up with this, but I'm not entirely sure if its on the right track:

http://gyazo.com/8de8cb8a69bd650d093831b76635e2b7
http://gyazo.com/9073b517125b2f717cd22c3b5fdb9dae

Work will not be conserved as the bullet penetrates the block. Momentum is problematic after impact because you have an external force. So split it into two phases and use the conservation law that does apply in each.

 

[STEMucator]

Work will not be conserved as the bullet penetrates the block. Momentum is problematic after impact because you have an external force. So split it into two phases and use the conservation law that does apply in each.

That was my intention, but I'm having a bit of trouble with the equations.

I'm figuring I need to use the conservation law to isolate and then the momentum law to solve for what I isolated for, but I can't seem to piece this one together.

 

[haruspex]

That was my intention, but I'm having a bit of trouble with the equations.

I'm figuring I need to use the conservation law to isolate and then the momentum law to solve for what I isolated for, but I can't seem to piece this one together.

Just do the impact first. What is the speed of block plus bullet immediately after impact? (You can assume that the bullet finishes burrowing its way into the block very quickly.)

 

[STEMucator]

Just do the impact first. What is the speed of block plus bullet immediately after impact? (You can assume that the bullet finishes burrowing its way into the block very quickly.)

So all I had to do was re-arrange the equation I had:

$$v_f = \frac{m{v_1}_i}{m+M}$$

 

[haruspex]

So all I had to do was re-arrange the equation I had:

$$v_f = \frac{m{v_1}_i}{m+M}$$

Right. From that point you can use work conservation.

 

[STEMucator]

Right. From that point you can use work conservation.

The work conservation is a bit tricky.

Initially there is only elastic potential and kinetic energy I think with zero gravitational potential (given where I've defined my "zero"). In the final phase there is gravitational and elastic, but zero kinetic.

The initial kinetic energy is based off that value we calculated for $v_f$ I believe. So by writing everything out and plugging in the value for $v_f$ into $v_i^2$ I would get:

http://gyazo.com/3c79b9b7d16ff744199e17672062fbb7

 

[haruspex]

The work conservation is a bit tricky.

Initially there is only elastic potential and kinetic energy I think with zero gravitational potential (given where I've defined my "zero"). In the final phase there is gravitational and elastic, but zero kinetic.

The initial kinetic energy is based off that value we calculated for $v_f$ I believe. So by writing everything out and plugging in the value for $v_f$ into $v_i^2$ I would get:

http://gyazo.com/3c79b9b7d16ff744199e17672062fbb7

You have y_f and Δy_f. How are you defining these?
What mass should you be using in the work conservation equation?
You can calculate Δy_i from initial conditions.

 

[STEMucator]

You have y_f and Δy_f. How are you defining these?
What mass should you be using in the work conservation equation?
You can calculate Δy_i from initial conditions.

$y_i$ is the initial position of the mass M (which it happens to be at position 0 with the way I've defined things). This is why the initial gravitational energy is zero.

$y_f$ is it's final position, but it will also be the final position of the bullet in this case since the bullet gets imbedded.

$Δy_i = (y_i - y_e)$ and $Δy_f = (y_f - y_e)$.

The mass I should be using for the final gravitational energy is $m + M$.

I changed the notation up a bit to make things a bit more clear and I have this now:

http://gyazo.com/c10d40449ef3ac1c111463887064f35c

Also I'm not sure if this will help with incorporating $d$, but:

http://gyazo.com/e35fbc71c122fdbfc33b21fa5beff188

EDIT: Wouldn't $y_f^2$ just be $d^2$?

 

[haruspex]

$y_i$ is the initial position of the mass M (which it happens to be at position 0 with the way I've defined things). This is why the initial gravitational energy is zero.

$y_f$ is it's final position, but it will also be the final position of the bullet in this case since the bullet gets imbedded.

$Δy_i = (y_i - y_e)$ and $Δy_f = (y_f - y_e)$.

The mass I should be using for the final gravitational energy is $m + M$.

All the masses in the energy equation should be M+m. m should only appear by itself in the expression for the initial (after impact) speed.

I changed the notation up a bit to make things a bit more clear and I have this now:

http://gyazo.com/c10d40449ef3ac1c111463887064f35c

It makes it a lot easier to comment on your equations if you put them inline instead of attaching images.

Also I'm not sure if this will help with incorporating $d$, but:

http://gyazo.com/e35fbc71c122fdbfc33b21fa5beff188

EDIT: Wouldn't $y_f^2$ just be $d^2$?

Your choice of zero level for the height as the initial position of the block M has led you into a trap. It would make things clearer if you chose the relaxed position of the spring. Also, it does say the spring becomes compressed, so the bullet pushes it up beyond the relaxed position.
Not sure how exactly you're defining Δy_i and Δy_f. Assuming those are spring extensions, Δy_f is negative. With your choice of base level as it is, the total ascent of the block+bullet is d+Δy_i, and Δy_f = -d.

 

[STEMucator]

All the masses in the energy equation should be M+m. m should only appear by itself in the expression for the initial (after impact) speed.

It makes it a lot easier to comment on your equations if you put them inline instead of attaching images.

Your choice of zero level for the height as the initial position of the block M has led you into a trap. It would make things clearer if you chose the relaxed position of the spring. Also, it does say the spring becomes compressed, so the bullet pushes it up beyond the relaxed position.
Not sure how exactly you're defining Δy_i and Δy_f. Assuming those are spring extensions, Δy_f is negative. With your choice of base level as it is, the total ascent of the block+bullet is d+Δy_i, and Δy_f = -d.

This :

Your choice of zero level for the height as the initial position of the block M has led you into a trap.

It's a trap!

Knowing this, I'll tackle the problem from scratch, with a different perspective. I'm always assuming up and right are positive. Here's the new diagram just for show:

http://gyazo.com/a8ec1e2f046016c5502495e037fc424c

First consider when the bullet strikes and embeds itself into the block. The momentum is conserved in a completely inelastic collision and the final speed of the block + bullet can be found:

$p_{T_i} = p_{T_f}$
$m_1v_{1_i} + m_2v_{2_i}=(m_1 + m_2)v_f$
$mv_{B_i} = (m+M)v_f$
$v_f = \frac{mv_{B_i }}{m+M}$

Now, initially there is only kinetic energy transferred into the block and in the final phase there is elastic + gravitational.

$E_i = E_f$
$K_i = U_{s_f} + U_{g_f}$
$\frac{1}{2} mv_i^2 = \frac{1}{2}k(Δy_f)^2 + mgy_f$
$mv_i^2 = k(Δy_f)^2 + 2mgy_f$

Now I'm not certain about this, but subbing what we know into the equation we get:

$(m+M)v_{B_i}^2 = kd^2 + 2(m+M)g(y_e - d)$

Does this seem more reasonable than before?

 

[haruspex]

Now, initially there is only kinetic energy transferred into the block and in the final phase there is elastic + gravitational.

$E_i = E_f$
$K_i = U_{s_f} + U_{g_f}$
$\frac{1}{2} mv_i^2 = \frac{1}{2}k(Δy_f)^2 + mgy_f$

I'll say it again - all those m's should be (M+m). Or maybe you're using m generically here?

$mv_i^2 = k(Δy_f)^2 + 2mgy_f$

If you want to make up as positive then I would take the zero height to be the relaxed position of the spring. You have:
y_i = (minus initial extension of spring) = Mg/k (taking g to be negative)
y_f = (minus final extension of spring) (positive), i.e. at max height.
As the bullet + block rise to maximum height:
- what is the change in gravitational PE?
- what is the change in spring PE?
- what is the change in KE?

 

[STEMucator]

I'll say it again - all those m's should be (M+m). Or maybe you're using m generically here?

If you want to make up as positive then I would take the zero height to be the relaxed position of the spring. You have:
y_i = (minus initial extension of spring) = Mg/k (taking g to be negative)
y_f = (minus final extension of spring) (positive), i.e. at max height.
As the bullet + block rise to maximum height:
- what is the change in gravitational PE?
- what is the change in spring PE?
- what is the change in KE?

I was using m generically up until I subbed things into the equation. You're telling me that equation should read this instead:

$(m+M)v_{B_i}^2 + 2(m+M)gy_i = kd^2 + 2(m+M)gy_f$

Makes sense. There initially has to be gravitational energy, otherwise how else would the bullet be fired vertically upward?

Re-arranging the above equation I get:

$v_{B_i} = \sqrt{\frac{kd^2 + 2g(m+M)(y_f - y_i)}{m+M}}$

The only thing left is $(y_f - y_i)$, which represents (the final position of the mass) - (the initial position).

http://gyazo.com/a8ec1e2f046016c5502495e037fc424c

When I say $y_e$ I mean the equilibrium position of the spring. Given what I've drawn, I believe $y_i = y_e$ and $y_f = y_e + d$. That would mean $(y_f - y_i) = d$? Then the equation would be:

$v_{B_i} = \sqrt{\frac{kd^2 + 2gd(m+M)}{m+M}}$

 

[haruspex]

When I say $y_e$ I mean the equilibrium position of the spring. Given what I've drawn, I believe $y_i = y_e$ and $y_f = y_e + d$.

No, $y_i ≠ y_e$. Before the impact, the spring will be under tension Mg.

 

[STEMucator]

No, $y_i ≠ y_e$. Before the impact, the spring will be under tension Mg.

You're telling me $F_G = F_T$ at the point of equilibrium, which is justified, but I don't see how it helps me determine the initial and final positions of the mass.

Initially wouldn't the bullet be colliding with the mass when it's at the equilibrium rest position?

EDIT:

In case you think that I didn't see you post this:

yi = (minus initial extension of spring) = Mg/k (taking g to be negative)
yf = (minus final extension of spring) (positive), i.e. at max height.

I did, but I don't see.... entirely why?

Wait wait wait hold the phone.

$F_G = F_T$
$Mg = -k \Delta y$
$- \frac{Mg}{k} = y_f - y_i$

That sir is a dirty trick I am never going to forget. Hooke's law.

The final equation would be:

$v_{B_i} = \sqrt{\frac{kd^2 - \frac{2Mg^2(m+M)}{k}}{m+M}}$

Lookin good?

 

[haruspex]

You're telling me $F_G = F_T$ at the point of equilibrium, which is justified, but I don't see how it helps me determine the initial and final positions of the mass.

That's at the original point of equilibrium, when there's only the block mass M suspended. It is below the relaxation point of the spring. The given d is the maximum compression of the spring, i.e. a distance above the relaxed spring point. The total vertical movement of the block is the sum of these: the distance it has to go from the initial stretched position of the spring, through the relaxed position, to the 'final' compressed position.
In the first part of that, the spring is losing potential energy as it goes from stretched to relaxed. In the second part, as it becomes compressed, it is regaining PE. You need to allow for the net change in spring PE as well as the net change in gravitational PE.

 

[STEMucator]

That's at the original point of equilibrium, when there's only the block mass M suspended. It is below the relaxation point of the spring. The given d is the maximum compression of the spring, i.e. a distance above the relaxed spring point. The total vertical movement of the block is the sum of these: the distance it has to go from the initial stretched position of the spring, through the relaxed position, to the 'final' compressed position.
In the first part of that, the spring is losing potential energy as it goes from stretched to relaxed. In the second part, as it becomes compressed, it is regaining PE. You need to allow for the net change in spring PE as well as the net change in gravitational PE.

I re-did the diagram. Is the positioning for the $y_e$ where it's supposed to be now?

http://gyazo.com/4baca1b044d8b31a8fc11003b4b6dd74

I don't even know how to draw a proper diagram.

My gut is PULLING on me that I need to define when the spring was completely relaxed BEFORE the mass was attached onto it. Otherwise how could I possibly define $\Delta y_i$? Call this relaxed position $y_0$. I would define $\Delta y_i = y_e - y_0$ and THAT would be my initial displacement from the spring's relaxed position.

I'm back to square one again, I REALLY think this is the case:

$U_{s_f} + U_{g_f} = K_i + U_{s_i} + U_{g_i}$
$k(Δy_f^2 - Δy_i^2) + 2mg(y_f - y_i) = mv_i^2$

I'm admittedly lost a this point though, conceptually. I don't even understand whether or not I have the correct energy equation because I don't even know what the problem wants me to consider.

It was established that:

$v_i = v_f = \frac{mv_{B_i}}{m+M}$ - I understand this

$y_f - y_i = - \frac{Mg}{k}$ - I understand this too

 

[STEMucator]

Tossing everything I've said and done prior to this, I have a serious question now, because I desperately want to understand this problem conceptually at this point. I'm always assuming up and right are positive.

Why on Earth should I not define the relaxed position of the spring BEFORE the mass was attached to it? I couldn't possibly define any form of initial displacement $( \Delta y_i )$, which is in the down direction, without knowing the initial relaxed position of the spring. Suppose I called this relaxed position $y_0$.

Then let's say I attach the mass $M$ and it drags the spring down until the restoring force equals the force of gravity so that the net force is zero. The restoring force will now keep the mass and spring at a new equilibrium position, let's call it $y_e$. I can NOW define $\Delta y_i = y_e - y_0$ and if this is incorrect please explain why. In case there is any confusion, $\Delta y_i$ is the distance the spring is initially EXTENDED downwards in this case, which will be used to determine the initial elastic potential. At this time, there is gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy stored in the system.

Then in comes the bullet, which we have to conserve the momentum for. The final speed of the block + bullet should be used to determine the initial kinetic energy of the system. So in the initial instant of the system, there should arguably be kinetic, gravitational and elastic energy.

As the bullet + mass travel up after the impact, kinetic energy and elastic energy are being lost (the spring is returning to the relaxed position $y_0$), while the gravitational energy is increasing. By the time the mass + bullet have reached the maximum height, all of the kinetic energy is gone and in the form of elastic + gravitational. We know that the spring compressed by a factor of $d$, so that it's "new equilibrium position for an instant" is $y_{e_2} = y_e + d$. Would that not mean the final extension of the spring $\Delta y_f = y_e + d - y_0$? If not, why not?

 

[TSny]

OK, Zondrina. I think everything you just stated in post #20 is correct. You are interpreting the phrase "compression of the spring" ($d$) to mean the distance the block travels upward from its initial position to it's maximum height.

However, haruspex is defining "compression of the spring" to mean the amount the spring is compressed from it's natural (unstretched) length. This is the usual interpretation of "amount of compression of a spring".

I have no idea which interpretation is assumed in the statement of the problem. It's too bad that the problem wasn't clearer on this point.

[Edit: Most people would not refer to your $y_{e_2}$ as a new "equilibrium point" since the forces do not add to zero at that instant. But I think it's clear that you intend it to mean the point where the block instantaneously comes to rest.]

 

[STEMucator]

OK, Zondrina. I think everything you just stated in post #20 is correct. You are interpreting the phrase "compression of the spring" ($d$) to mean the distance the block travels upward from its initial position to it's maximum height.

However, haruspex is defining "compression of the spring" to mean the amount the spring is compressed from it's natural (unstretched) length. This is the usual interpretation of "amount of compression of a spring".

I have no idea which interpretation is assumed in the statement of the problem. It's too bad that the problem wasn't clearer on this point.

[Edit: Most people would not refer to your $y_{e_2}$ as a new "equilibrium point" since the forces do not add to zero at that instant. But I think it's clear that you intend it to mean the point where the block instantaneously comes to rest.]

Yes this:

But I think it's clear that you intend it to mean the point where the block instantaneously comes to rest

I'm just trying to tackle this problem geometrically in the manner that would make the most sense. I don't want to just Google the answer to the problem, I actually want to understand. How can someone even say they trust half the answers they find really. I'm self studying, so everything is really up in the air in terms of how the notation applies.

EDIT: The reason I'm doing it this way is because work would have to be done on the system for the transition from initial to final state to occur (for any of this to make sense).

 

[haruspex]

You are interpreting the phrase "compression of the spring" ($d$) to mean the distance the block travels upward from its initial position to it's maximum height.

However, haruspex is defining "compression of the spring" to mean the amount the spring is compressed from it's natural (unstretched) length. This is the usual interpretation of "amount of compression of a spring".

I have no idea which interpretation is assumed in the statement of the problem. It's too bad that the problem wasn't clearer on this point.

True, it is not entirely clear.
Zondrina, since this is self-study, how about you choose which the question intended and we take it from there? (Or, if the answer is given in the book, we can try both and see which is right, but my impression is that you do not have access to the answer.)

 

[STEMucator]

True, it is not entirely clear.
Zondrina, since this is self-study, how about you choose which the question intended and we take it from there? (Or, if the answer is given in the book, we can try both and see which is right, but my impression is that you do not have access to the answer.)

The answer at the back of the book is listed as:

http://gyazo.com/4420db489c948d9a87769f5f45e7e22b

Though I'm not sure what they're using to arrive at it. Working that equation backwards a little bit I can see some of what has already been discussed.

 

[haruspex]

The answer at the back of the book is listed as:

http://gyazo.com/4420db489c948d9a87769f5f45e7e22b

Though I'm not sure what they're using to arrive at it. Working that equation backwards a little bit I can see some of what has already been discussed.

to get that answer, you have to go with the other interpretation: d is the total distance that the block rises.
The form of the answer is quite unnecessarily complicated though. It reduces to $\frac 1m\sqrt{(M+m)d(2mg+kd)}$

 

[STEMucator]

to get that answer, you have to go with the other interpretation: d is the total distance that the block rises.
The form of the answer is quite unnecessarily complicated though. It reduces to $\frac 1m\sqrt{(M+m)d(2mg+kd)}$

Quote by you:

The given d is the maximum compression of the spring

I understand the interpretation you're using here. I'll list everything in this post.

The following two facts were established prior:

$v_i = v_f = \frac{mv_{B_i}}{m+M}$
$y_f - y_i = - \frac{Mg}{k}$

I also have the following equation:

$U_{s_f} + U_{g_f} = K_i + U_{s_i} + U_{g_i}$
$k(Δy_f^2 - Δy_i^2) + 2mg(y_f - y_i) = mv_i^2$

Now, $\Delta y_f = d$ because it's the maximum compression of the spring; As in the spring is compressed BEYOND it's initial relaxed position when the bullet strikes it. By initial relaxed position, I mean before the mass $M$ was put onto the spring.

Also, $\Delta y_i = \frac{Mg}{k}$ because the initial displacement of the spring from it's initial equilibrium is determined by the force exerted on it by the mass $M$, which happens to be proportional to $Mg$ and the restoring force.

Subbing In I get:

$k(d^2 - (\frac{Mg}{k})^2) - 2(m+M)g (\frac{Mg}{k}) = m(\frac{mv_{B_i}}{m+M})^2$

I'd rather not simplify that monster until I know that it's on the right track.

 

[haruspex]

Quote by you:

No, sorry - you misunderstand my last post. I'm saying that, despite what I still think is the most reasonable interpretation of d as specified, to get the given answer you have to go with your original interpretation: d is is the total vertical movement of the block.
But I'll comment on the equations below on the basis of the assumption behind them. It's no great matter to replace d with d - Mg/k at the end in order to switch interpretation.

$v_i = v_f = \frac{mv_{B_i}}{m+M}$
$y_f - y_i = - \frac{Mg}{k}$

So y_i here is the relaxed position of the spring (no block), right? And y_f is with the block, before impact?

I also have the following equation:

$U_{s_f} + U_{g_f} = K_i + U_{s_i} + U_{g_i}$
$k(Δy_f^2 - Δy_i^2) + 2mg(y_f - y_i) = mv_i^2$

The $y_f - y_i$ term looks wrong. Shouldn't it be $Δy_f + Δy_i$?
And all the m's there represent M+m, yes? (Better to use another symbol, say M', to avoid confusion.)

 

[STEMucator]

No, sorry - you misunderstand my last post. I'm saying that, despite what I still think is the most reasonable interpretation of d as specified, to get the given answer you have to go with your original interpretation: d is is the total vertical movement of the block.
But I'll comment on the equations below on the basis of the assumption behind them. It's no great matter to replace d with d - Mg/k at the end in order to switch interpretation.

So y_i here is the relaxed position of the spring (no block), right? And y_f is with the block, before impact?

The $y_f - y_i$ term looks wrong. Shouldn't it be $Δy_f + Δy_i$?
And all the m's there represent M+m, yes? (Better to use another symbol, say M', to avoid confusion.)

No, sorry - you misunderstand my last post. I'm saying that, despite what I still think is the most reasonable interpretation of d as specified, to get the given answer you have to go with your original interpretation: d is is the total vertical movement of the block.

I see, so the interpretation I gave before (the one TSNY commented on) would be acceptable.

I use $y_i$ to denote the initial position of the mass (we can only really measure the initial position of the mass when it is hung on the spring and falls to its new rest position).

I use $y_f$ to denote the final position of the mass, which occurs only for an instant (when the mass is changing directions). If I didn't define it this way, there would be no way to measure the gravitational potential that built up when the bullet hit the mass.

 

[haruspex]

I see, so the interpretation I gave before (the one TSNY commented on) would be acceptable.

Yes

I use $y_i$ to denote the initial position of the mass (we can only really measure the initial position of the mass when it is hung on the spring and falls to its new rest position).

I use $y_f$ to denote the final position of the mass, which occurs only for an instant (when the mass is changing directions).

Then I no longer understand this equation:
$y_f - y_i = - \frac{Mg}{k}$
To try to avoid further confusion, I shall define my own set of variables and you can tell me how they map to yours.
x = extension of spring with the mass hanging before impact = Mg/k
d = as now understood: the total height through which the bullet pushes the mass.
So we have:
- increase in spring PE = $\frac k2 ((d-x)^2 - x^2)$
- increase in gravitational PE = (M+m)gd
- loss of KE = $\frac {M+m}2v_i^2$, where $v_i(M+m) = mv_b$
This does lead to the given answer.

 

[STEMucator]

Yes
Then I no longer understand this equation:
$y_f - y_i = - \frac{Mg}{k}$
To try to avoid further confusion, I shall define my own set of variables and you can tell me how they map to yours.
x = extension of spring with the mass hanging before impact = Mg/k
d = as now understood: the total height through which the bullet pushes the mass.
So we have:
- increase in spring PE = $\frac k2 ((d-x)^2 - x^2)$
- increase in gravitational PE = (M+m)gd
- loss of KE = $\frac {M+m}2v_i^2$, where $v_i(M+m) = mv_b$
This does lead to the given answer.

Okay so according to your variables:

$Δy_f = d - \frac{Mg}{k}$
$Δy_i = \frac{Mg}{k}$

$v_i = \frac{mv_b}{m+M}$

I'm a bit confused about how to interpret the gravitational PE you've given. I'm assuming that you've calculated $mg(y_f - y_i) = (m+M)gd$.

So you're claiming $y_f - y_i = d$?

 

[haruspex]

Okay so according to your variables:

$Δy_f = d - \frac{Mg}{k}$
$Δy_i = \frac{Mg}{k}$

If those are the height differences from the spring's relaxed position, yes. (I'm assuming d > Mg/k, but the equations probably still work even if not.)

$v_i = \frac{mv_b}{m+M}$

I'm a bit confused about how to interpret the gravitational PE you've given. I'm assuming that you've calculated $mg(y_f - y_i) = (m+M)gd$.

Are you using m differently on the left and right of that equation?
From the impact of the bullet to the max height of the block, block and bullet ascend together a distance d.

So you're claiming $y_f - y_i = d$?

If y_i is the initial position of the block (stretched position of spring) and y_f is the highest point to which the block rises, then yes.

 

[STEMucator]

If those are the height differences from the spring's relaxed position, yes. (I'm assuming d > Mg/k, but the equations probably still work even if not.)

Are you using m differently on the left and right of that equation?
From the impact of the bullet to the max height of the block, block and bullet ascend together a distance d.

If y_i is the initial position of the block (stretched position of spring) and y_f is the highest point to which the block rises, then yes.

Yes I'm assuming up is positive so $d > Mg/k$ holds.

I usually equate generically and simplify as much as possible before I plug things in usually. So on the left I'm using $m$ in general.

I see how you're defining things now though, which also makes a lot of sense. The book I'm using defined things a bit differently for a few example problems, so I was a bit confused about your interpretation at first (even though it also seems straightforward).

 

[haruspex]

Yes I'm assuming up is positive so $d > Mg/k$ holds.

Well, not necessarily. If mv is small and M is large, the bullet might not even lift the block as far as the spring's relaxed position.