Calculating Kinetic Energy in a Spring Compression Problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the kinetic energy of a block projected up an inclined plane with a spring. The user attempts to solve for the kinetic energy at a spring compression of 0.20 m, starting with an initial kinetic energy of 16 J. They apply the work-energy principle but struggle to match their results with the textbook answers, suspecting an error in their calculations. The user also notes the need to consider gravitational potential energy in their computations. The conversation highlights the complexities of energy conservation in spring compression problems.
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I think I understand how to begin the problem but when I compute the answers they don't match the selected answers in the back of the book

Homework Statement



A spring (k=200 N/m) is fixed at the top of a frictionless plane inclined at angle θ=40°. A 1/0 kg block is projected up the plane, from an initial position that is distance d=0.60m from the end of the relaxed spring, with an initial kinetic energy of 16 J.
a) What is the kinetic energy of the block at the instant it has compressed the spring 0.20 m?
b) With what kinetic energy must the block be projected up the plane if it is to stop momentarily when it has compressed the spring by 0.40m?

Homework Equations



Wf=ΔK+ΔU=Kf-Ki+Uf-Ui

The Attempt at a Solution



a) Ki is the 16 J of KE from the block, Ui is 1/2Kx^2 from the original compressed distance, Uf is 1/2Kx^2 at the instant the spring is compressed to 0.20m.

(Kf-16J) + [(1/2(200 N/m)(0.6)^2)-(1/2(200 N/m)(0.8)^2)]

Answer should be 7 J but I must be off somehow because that's not what I get
 
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Don't forget gravitational PE.
 
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